





LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap.. 



Copyright No 

Sholf~ \\ 




j UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 





I. 





EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 





















“ So he bef?an the 


first story. 


Pa^e If). 


11 









Gvenings at Shadygi^opip 


BY 



HOWARD B. HALL 

1 / 



1 ^. 


PHILADELPHIA 


( AUG Q 1897 

V . . 



AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
1420 Chestnut Street 



(Copyright 1897 by the 

Amrkican Baptist Pupi.ication Socif.tt 




jfroni tbc Society's own iPreso 


In the ten stories that rr^ake up this book the 
author has epdeavored, in a boylike style of nar- 
rative, to set forth the attractiveness of a series 
of manly actions apd tbc trials to be met ii} the 
lipe of their accomplishment. What tlpese par- 
ticular actiops arc n^ay be seen on the last pages 
of the book. 


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CONTENTS 


J. The Story-teller . 9 

11. A Brave Boy 17 

\ 

111. Ray’s Prize 36 

lY. Dick’s Adventure 51 

V. The INIagic Pony 66 

VI. Earning His Sled 84 

V^ll. Harry’s Fifta'-dollar Bill 103 

VIll. The Penny and the Picnic 117 

IX. How Bert Won a Friend 128 

X. Fred’s Faithfulness 143 


XI. What Bill Found Out 


154 


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HE person who told these stories 
was a hoy, a pretty big boy to be 
sure, say about fifteen, but still a 
boy, interested in the same things 
in which you are and loving what 
you love — in fact very much like 
yourself — trying often to be good, and like most of 
us, often failing ; but after all, a good, manly fellow, 

9 


10 


EVENINGS AT SHAEYCROFT 


ils you will say before you hear the last ot him and 
liis stories. 

I have had to tell you all this because the stories 
are really not about him — his part was only to tell 
them. 1 simply wanted to tell you what kind of a 
fellow he was. 

He was the son of an army officer — United States 
Army of course — who was stationed out West at a 
little tu’penny town called Duckbill. If you will 
get a big map of Dakota you can look a long time 
for Duckbill without finding it. I imagine the 
geographers must have thought the name was cer- 
tainly a joke. I don’t blame them ; anybody might 
think so. 

But these Western people, or rather the very early 
settlers among them, had a queer way of naming 
their towns, and Duckbill was not the queerest by 
any manner of means. It was named from a pecu- 
liarly shaped rock that sloped down from a con- 
siderable height and spread out flat and rounded at 
the end, precisely like the bill of an immense duck. 
Tlie early settlers, having no name that they es])e- 
cially cared for, and having probably never heard 
of Rome or Egypt or Carthage, did not call it New 
Rome or New Egypt or New Carthage, l)ut simjdy 
Duckbill — and so Duckbill it was and Duckbill it 
may remain. 

A"ou will be interested after a while, not so much 


THE STORY-TELLER 


11 


ill the place as in the boy. The boy was all right, 
but as for the place, you would vote it pretty dull. 
There were no schools there to begin with — al- 
though I suppose some of you will think that not 
so bad ; and then there were no candy shops or toy 
shops, none that could be fixed up and dressed up 
for Christmas. As for a store for selling sporting 
goods, balls and bats and gloves and rackets, why 
I am pretty sure that the boys of Duckbill didn’t 
know what sporting goods were. Oh, no, you 
would not take any stock in Duckbill, but you will 
take to the boy, I know. 

Even though Duckbill had no schools, this boy 
had his lessons, you may be sure. His father gave 
them, and they were as regular as clockwork — and 
even more so. But every day after they were over 
he had a dash over the parade-ground on a bright- 
eyed, frisky-tailed broncho, — that is a half-tamed 
Mexican horse, you know, — and he became as ex- 
pert in riding bareback as any Indian in the neigh- 
borhood. Don’t be scared at the word Indian ; 
there is not an Indian story in the book. Duck- 
bill was surrounded by Indians, but they were 
friendly. 

One of them, an old chief, was our young friend’s 
teacher of horseback-riding; his name was — well, 
I can’t begin to twist my tongue around his Indian 
name, so I will just give it to you in English. 


12 


EVENINGS AT SlIADYCKOFT 


is good onoiigli aiiywlicre. His name was 
Tliiiiidcring 5Sky. If any of you think you are 
good at nicknaniing a fellow, just try your hand at 
his. Thuuderiug Sky, in s])ite of his terrible name, 
was very gentle, and Avas besides a good teaeher. 
You eould not find a better one. If I were not 
afraid of speaking disrespeetfully of the boy’s 
father, I would say that the lessons in readiii’, 
writiii’, and ’rithiuetie were not half so sueeessful 
as tliose in riding ; but then you need not lueutioii 
that again. 

But he did not ride all the time ; there were 
times when he could not ride, when he could not 
run, or jump, or row, or shoot at a target — -of which 
he was very fond — or do anything out of doors at 
all ; times when in the midst of a roaring blizzard, 
with the thermometer down to forty degrees below 
zero — think of that as you sit here comfortably — 
with the snow drifting and driving into' heaps forty 
and fifty feet high and turning the j)laiu into a great 
wilderness of white ; these were the times when he 
called upon his father or mother for a story, and 
many a one did they tell him. 

Well, I declare, I haven’t yet given you his 
name, have I ? It was Philip, and you’ll see how 
well the name suited him when I tell you that 
Pliilip means a lover of horses. However, you 
probably knew that without my telling you. But 


THE STORY-TELLER 


13 


don’t imagine that anybody called such a boy as .he 
by his full name. Oh, no ! They called him Phil ; 
he liked it better and it was more like the boy 
himself. 

But to get on to the stories. Phil, after some 
years of this sort of life at Duckbill, was sent East 
to live at Shadycroft with his aunt, that he might 
go to school like any other civilized l)oy and be 
educated properly. It is at Shadycroft we find him. 

Now we have come to Shadycroft at last, and Ave 
will get to the stories in double-quick,” as Phil 
would say. 

But if you will excuse one more delay, I must 
really stop a minute or two to say a few words 
.about Shadycroft itself It was a fine old place, 
the large stone house Avith its broad porches built a 
hundred years ago at least. It Avas situated at the 
end of a lane of ma])les that stretched aAvay for 
five hundred feet and united overhead, forming an 
arch just like the top of your church AAdndoAA^s. Off 
to the right AA^as a barn, jAartly tumbled doAvn, Imt 
still so large that Avhat remained AA^as big enough, 
plenty, for the three horses that Avere stabled there ; 
and it gave the boys fine sport as they jumped from 
the high beams to the mass of soft hay tAventy or 
thirty feet bcloAV. It Avas not bad sport either to 
scare the bats and owls by flinging a potato, bang ! 
against the roof, for away up under the roof, in dark^ 


14 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


nooks and corners, the rafters made wliat the bats 
considered a fine place in which to hang them- 
selves up by the heels in the daytime ; and close 
beside them many a wise old owl sat and blinked at 
the disagreeable sunbeams that worked their way 
through the holey ’’ roof, until the evening came, 
when it was time to go forth and startle the young- 
sters by their dismal cry of Hoo-hoo-hoo ! It 
would have been a pity to build it up. Its very 
ruin seemed to be in keeping with the age of every- 
thing about it. 

Jollier than the barn itself was the eherry orchard 
beyond. Just imagine an orchard filled with the 
sweetest, biggest, blackest cherries one ever ate. 
In the fruit season what a good time the bees and 
the birds and the boys did have ! I never knew 
anything like it. It makes my mouth water to 
think of them. Shadycroft seemed to have been 
made for the good of everybody and everything. 

I won’t dare mention the fine seckel pear trees 
with their rich, syrupy fruit ; and the neighboring 
duck-pond — not a little mud-puddle, you under- 
stand, but a clear, bright sheet of water almost big 
enough to sail a boat on, and as good for the boys 
as for the ducks, as good for swimming in summer 
as for skating in winter. Oh, no ! I won’t dare 
mention these, or we shall never get to the Shady- 
croft stories. 


TTTE STORY-TELLER 


15 


Blit summer and summer pleasures were over at 
Shadycroft ; it was long, long after cherry time and 
swimming time, the latter part of November, in 
fact, when, in the evening of a cold, wet, disagree- 
able day, Phil and his cousins, Lambert, Teddy, 
and Alice, Avere in the playroom together, just be- 
fore bedtime. They had done everything that day 
and nothing had been quite successful ; or rather, 
to tell the truth, one thing had been too successful 
— they had broken a big pane of glass in the dining 
room. That was a complete success ; it was like 
Humpty Dumpty in the riddle : 

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men 
Can’t put Humpty Dumpty together again. 

A few emphatic Avords from papa had sobered 
them for full fiA^e minutes. Then they ran over to 
the barn betAA^een the drops ; they shot AAdtli boAV 
and arroAV at a target ; they jumped from the high 
beams to the hay beloAA^ ; tkey jutched quoits — 
Avliich, by the Avay, is pronounced just exactly as it 
is spelled, q-u-o-i-t-s, and not quaits,’’ as I have 
heard some felloAA^s pronounce it. But they had 
been confined to A^ery narroAV limits, and for young- 
sters AAdio had been used to roaming over forty or 
fifty acres, it Avas hard to keep in tune and temper. 

Cousin Pliil,’’ broke in Lambert, Avith a big 
yaAVU, tell us a story, Avon’t you ? ’’ 


EVENINGS AT SII ADYC'KOFT 


IT) 


^^All riglit, youngster/’ said Phil ; tell you 

a story that luy father told me when I was about 
your age.” 

Phil was as fresh as a breeze, with his bright, 
cheery way, and soon had them all atteutiou. Phil 
stood u]) before them — he had to stand while he was 
talking; tluit showed the spirit that was in him. 
So he began and told them the first story. It was 
liked so much that night after night he had to tell 
another until he had told ten. Noav just make 
yourself at home and imagine yourself sitting with 
the other Shadyerofters as Phil begins ; for, after 
a very long delay, we have really come to the 
Shady(*r( )ft .s/or/r.v. 



interrupted 
Teddy. 

^^Tell 11 s 
the story.’’ 

^^No, I will 

not; I’ll tell yon the story the way 1 wish or I’ll 
not tell it at all/’ said Phil, his dander rising. 

^^Oh, all right,” replied Teddy, giving Lambert’s 
hair a jerk in the back; ^^all right, only don’t be 
so long getting at it.” 


OW,” said Phil, 
^Hhe story I’m 
going to tell 
you is called 
Brave 
Boy,’ and the 

moral is ” 

Bother 
the mor- 
al!” 


B 


17 


18 EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 

Wouldn’t Teddy have caught it if Phil had been 
his father instead of only his cousin ! You would 
have thought so if you had seen the look Phil gave 
him. Boys should be polite, even to each other. 

Well, the moral is short, anyway,” said Phil, 
beginning again. It is simply this, ‘ Kindness 
wins ’ ; and here goes the story ” : 

There are not many of you who would have con- 
sidered Joe Rushton an agreeable boy. Most of 
the stories I have heard have been about boys who 
are tolerably agreeable, but this is about one who 
was just the reverse. He was ungracious in his 
manners, and so backward and bashful that he often 
appeared rude. In school he was painfully timid ; 
he never dreamed of saying a word to a teacher in 
a social way, and to tell the truth, the teachers as 
little dreamed of saying anything to him. He was 
alone, shut up within himself, and without intending 
it, drove away those who would have been his 
friend's. To the few who would have done him a 
service he was suspicious and ungrateful. He had 
so many to suspect of unkindness that he suspected 
everybody. He seemed to be on his guard against 
every one. 

[‘^Oh, he was a chump,” said Teddy. 

^MVell, hold on,” said Cousin Phil. Maybe 
you will change your mind after a while.”] 


A BRAVE BOY 


19 


All the same he was a pretty disagreeable fellow 
to think of. Ihn going to tell you how a few kind 
words changed all this. Listen and you will see. 

All his ugliness had its explanation. No one but 
Joe himself knew how bitter he became when at 
night he worried over his lessons that were so hard 
because he was too timid to ask his teachers for an 
explanation ; and if in his heart he envied and hated 
his classmates who could recite so easily, it was per- 
haps no more than you would have done if you had 
been placed as he was. His mother had died before 
he knew her, and for years he and his father had 
lived together without wife or mother to take care 
of them and their house. 

His father was away all day at work, and Joe 
was left at home alone when not at school, for he 
had no friends anywhere. It was hardly any better, 
however, when his father was at home, for being ill, 
more or less, he was harsh and irritable, with abso- 
lutely no sympathy for the boy. As for a word of 
sympathy or praise, his father never thought of 
giving it ; and, indeed, Joe rarely did anything for 
which to be praised. 

All the same, his father ought to have said a kind 
word once in a while. No boy is so bad as not to 
deserve some praise. But here is the explanation 
of Joe’s timidity : he never heard a ward from his 
father except in anger or fault-finding, and conse- 


20 


EVENIXGS AT SHADYCROFT 


quently Joe was like a Avhip])e(l dog. You could 
hardly expect such a boy to be bright and cheerful. 

Now of course every one of you has so much to 
make you ha])py that you are never anything else 
than bright and cheerful. You of course never get 
angry or say ugly words or whine or whimj)er, but 
that's because you have so many things about you 
to make you thankful. 

[Cousin Phil could have his joke once in a while, 
you see, for he knew, and they all knew, that they 
had been whining half a dozen times that very day.] 

Maybe you arc beginning to l)lanic poor Joe 
for a horrid, ugly boy ; l)ut as I said before, Avait 
awhile. Just imagine yourself deprived of the care 
of your hither and mother, of home, of bright, 
cheery surroundings, of books, of jiictures, of good 
food, of playthings, of sports, of games, and think 
what sort of a boy or girl you would become. 

The father dying, Joe Avas compelled to earn his 
own liAung. Just such a boy as I liaA’e described, 
he Avent aboard a steamer that sailed on I^ake 
Michigan, in January, 18 <Sr). One might think 
this Avas the Avrong place for such a boy as he, and 
so for a AA'hile it seemed ; but things turn out A’cry 
strangely sometimes, and you aaoII sec that they 
turned out strangely here. Joe naturally became 
the butt of the other boys and even of the men, 
Avho put up all sorts of mean tricks on him, and 


A BKAVK r.OV 


21 


truly he invited these trieks by his spiteful, venge- 
ful wiiys. 

Oh, yes, a boy will naturally get what he gives 
and give what he gets. That is only natural ; it is 
not always right, but it^s natural. 

But never was a word said against the boy’s 
bravery. If a mast or a sj)ar were to t)e cleaned, 
he was as bold as the boldest in his climbing and 
as skillful as the best in his work. He was as good 
at heaving a rope as a man. He could bear a hand 
in all work of skill as well as the best. 

On the other hand, he was so disagreeable, so 
hateful, that he became known, not as a skillful 
boy, which he was, not as a good sailor, which he 
was, but as a hateful boy, which he was. 

I said everybody, but that is a mistake. There 
was one man, Dan by name, who while he did not 
like Joe, yet pitied him for the gloomy life he was 
leading ; so calling Joe to him one evening he tried 
to get the boy to talk. For a long, time he made 
no progress. Joe susi)ected him of something, but 
what it was he could not make out. He could nof 
understand Dan’s, kind tones and words, so he shut 
himself up very much as a turtle shuts himself up 
when you want to draw him out. 

So it might have ended, but for one lucky sen- 
tence that Dan uttered, a sentence that roused Joe’s 
anger and loosened his tongue. 


22 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


^‘Say, Jo(3, the boys play a good many ‘low- 
down’ tricks on yon, don’t they?” 

Dan had struck a sensitive chord that time. 
His question roused Joe to fury. 

“Yes,” he said, his fist clenching and his eye 
glaring with anger; “but T get even with them. 1 
give them as good as they give me, don’t I ? ” 

“ See here, Joe,” said Dan earnestly, “ if these 
tricks are mean and hateful when they are done to 
you, are they less mean and hateful when you do 
them to others?” 

Without even knowing it, he had thrown into 
his voice and manner all the gentleness of a mother, 
and a mother’s gentleness the boy had never known. 
The man’s kindness was something new to Joe. 
Positively, this was the first word of sympathy that 
had ever entered the boy’s heart. By some power 
that Dan did not understand, they impressed Joe 
deeply, and if you will believe me, Joe spent the 
whole of his watch below thinking over what Dan 
had said. 

This is not a story of magic, but those words had 
their effect. Joe played no more tricks; he tried to 
be cheerful, and so far succeeded that he occasion- 
ally smiled. He was no longer spiteful ; he gave 
that up. The power of Dan’s question had become 
so great in his mind that it strengthened him in the 
severest trials and provocations. The tricks, the 


A BRAVE BOY 


23 


mean jibes, the flings at Joe were continued ; but 
somehow or other Joe did not mind them so much 
as he used to and there were none from him in 
return. 

Joe was a changed boy, and so you will say after 
a while when you hear the whole of his story. 

But that is coming. The winter of 1885 was 
particularly severe on the Great Lakes on which his 
steamer plied. It so happened that the steamer 
leaving Grand Haven met an awful storm and was 
driven beyond her power, of control until, in spite 
of their best efforts, they w'ere wedged tightly 
within a vast field of ice. Here for three days 
they drifted and turned in the midst of the grind- 
ing, crunching ice, and losing their bearing they 
were unable any longer to tell exactly where they 
were. You know, of course, that these lakes are 
larger than any you have seen, unless, perhaps, you 
were at the Columbian Exposition, when you saw 
tlie very lake I am speaking of. Well they began 
to be very anxious lest, the ice breaking through, 
their vessel might begin to leak and possibly sink. 

But that was not all ; another danger tlireatened 
them. Provisions were becoming scarce. They 
had a crew of thirty men. The captain looked 
anxiously in every direction, but not a speck of land 
could he see. He had no idea where he was, on ac- 
count of the way in which the vessel had turned 


24 EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 

aruuiid and around. He was just as miicli at a loss 
as you would be if you should be blindfolded, and 
then being turned around and around, were to be 
told to walk to the sofa. He really did not know 
in what direction to sail, even if he had been able 
to sail. 

After four days of anxiety, he saw from the top 
of the mast a dim line of land, and he determined 
to carry out a project of sending a number of men 
ashore, so that by lessening the number, the pro- 
visions they had might hold out until they could 
get out of their fix. 

He ordered the men to assemble and told them 
the scrape they were in, and that in consequence of 
the small supply of pr(jvisions, he would like a 
number of the men to walk ashore. But,’’ added 
he, ^Hhe trip over the ice is so dangerous that I 
shall not order any man to go. Every man who 
goes will do so at the risk of his life. I shall call 
for volunteers. Now who will be the first to go?” 

‘‘ I will,” said our disagreeable acquaintance, Joe 
Kushton. 

^^You!” said the captain with a sneer. Do 
you know the danger of it, you little fool?” 

‘^Yes,” said Joe with a sullen frown, his old- 
time anger swelling up in his heart. It was only for 
a moment, however, and very soon the fact that the 
captain had sneered at him and called him a fool 


A BRAVE BOY 


25 


(lid not disturb him. You see people can get used 
to anything. He was used to words of that sort 
and injustice of that sort ; but Dan had enabled 
him to get the better of it. 

Well/^ said the captain after a pause, ‘^you may 
go. You eat as much as anybody, and it’s of little 
consequence if you do freeze to death on the way.” 

Now what do you think of that speech? That 
was pretty contemptible, wasn’t it? Think how 
much Joe had accomplished to bear it patiently and 
see whether you don’t feel sorry for him. 

The next to volunteer was one known as Harry, 
a man who had been especially hateful to Joe all 
the voyage. He was a rough bully. Dan would 
have gone himself, but he was ill. One and another 
volunteered till fifteen in all had agreed to start 
next morning for the shore. 

The next morning the time fixed for their leav- 
ing was bitter cold ; a keen biting wind blew from 
the northwest, the very direction in whi(di they 
were to go. It was clearer now and the land, 
which was 'high, could be seen easily, but it was 
over thirty miles away. They took a day’s pro- 
visions, Avith axes and blankets, because, as it would 
be impossible to travel the thirty miles in one day, 
they expected to be on the ice over night, 

Just before leaving the captain called them all 
together again. 


20 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Mcn/^ said he, ‘^yesterday I called Joe a fool. 
Tin sorry for it. He’s not a fool ; he is a brave boy, 
as brave as any man aboard this ship.” 

The men said nothing, but Joe was ready to cry. 
“ A brave boy, as brave as any man aboard this 
ship.” Was he dreaming? Did he hear aright? 

Now yon get words of praise at every turn, 
but this was the first word of praise that Joe had 
ever received, just as Dan’s Avas the first word of 
sympathy. The fact that he had been called a fool 
the day before had not moved him half so much. 
But to-day the captain had called him, in the pres- 
ence of everybody, ^‘a brave boy.” An angel 
from heaven seemed to have spoken, only Joe did 
not knoAV what an angel is. 

They set out amid the jollity of the crew, for to 
these careless sailors there seems to come nothing 
like fear. Terrible circumstances do not seem to 
impress them. But while it was a jolly setting out 
the journey could not be described as anything less 
than terrible. They were to travel a distance of* 
thirty miles over broken and jagged* ice to the 
shore, which in many places was piled up seven 
and eight feet high. Over this they must scram- 
ble or around it they must walk, thus prolonging 
the journey. 

The undertaking was so full of danger that it 
was understood that it should be every man for 


A BRAVE BOY 


27 


himself/’ that is, each man was to look out for his 
own safety and not to bother about any one else. 
Some, thinking to gain time, set off at a run, others at 
a quieter pace, hoping to save their strength for the 
long trip that was before them. 

As fate, as we say, would have it, Joe’s nearest 
neighbor was the disagreeable shipmate, Harry, of 
whom I have spoken. The captain’s praise of Joe, 
with perhaps the danger of their situation, put the 
sailor in a rather pleasant frame of mind. 

Never had a walk like this before, have you ? ” 
said he. 

No,” said Joe, rousing from a sort of delicious 
dream of the captain’s praise. 

That was all he said however, and the man 
thinking him as disagreeable as usual said, 
“ Humph ! Grumpy here as well as aboard ship, 
are you ? ” 

I did not intend to be grumpy,” replied Joe, 
looking at him. 

Well, I never ! That is- the civilest thing I 
ever heard you” say,” said Harry. 

There was not much to talk about, so they 
trudged on in silence. The two kept together all 
day and until nightfall when, weary and footsore, 
they began to make preparations for spending the 
night. They sheltered themselves from the biting 
wind behind a huge boulder of ice, and having 


28 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


outcn their nitioiis, they marked the direction in 
which they were to travel on awaking. They then 
began to get their bed ready. 

How would you like to go to bed like that ? 
It was a strange bed they made for themselves, 1 
tell you. Unrolling their blankets, which they had 
strapped to their shoulders, they laid them on as 
broad a cake of ice as they conld find, and then 
lying down, they rolled themselves together so that 
they would keep each other warm. 

By daylight they were awake, and having eaten 
the last crumb of hard tack and salt beef, they set 
out again. The change from their warm close quar- 
ters to the biting air made them suffer dreadfully. 
It almost benumbed them, and they started into a 
brisk dog trot to get their blood up. 

Unluckily for Harry, the sailor, he trod on a 
spot where by the constant grinding and shifting of 
the ice a small space had been left, over which the 
ice was very thin. He broke through into the 
water instantly and wet his leg to his knee. 

That was pretty hard luck, I tell you, because 
the biting wind immediately froze his clothes stiff, 
and it was all the more unlucky because they could 
now move only very slowly and painfully. Besides, 
if they should be caught in a heavy snow — which 
from the appearance of the sky now seemed likely 
— they might as well give up all hope. 


A HRAVE ROY 


29 


It was a bad fix to be in. Try and imagine 
tlieir condition, if you can, and see what yon think 
of it or how you would like to be there. Harry’s 
foot and leg soon became so numb from the way his 
clothing was frozen around them that it was impos- 
sil)le for him to go on. 

A bright idea struck Joe. Tearing off, or rather 
cutting off Harry’s boot and stocking, he chafed 
and rubbed and sla])ped his leg until a little (*ircn- 
lation was started and then cutting up a blanket 
they wrapped the foot and leg in it. Hut all this 
took time, and time was very precious because it 
was now afternoon and the dark leaden sky gave 
every evidence of a coming snowstorm, wliile the 
wind that blew in their faces was as keen as a 
whip. 

]>iit they went on, with the bandaged leg, as well 
as they could for about two miles, Harry suffering 
dreadfully. Then, being out of lieart and worn 
out comjJetely, he lay down and declared that he 
could ffo no farther. 

Here was where Joe showed again that lie was a 
brave boy. He urged and coaxed and besought his 
companion to drag himself along on his hands and 
feet. At last the sailor yielded to his coaxings and 
slowly, for nearly a mile farther, he crept as Joe 
had suggested. But it was slow and very painful 
ami the skies were threatening snow every minute. 


30 EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 

You must remember that all this time Joe was 
periling his own life. He knew it perfectly well, 
and you must remember that he was under no obli- 
gation of friendship to this fellow. The journey 
had been made every man for himself,” but Joe 
had been going in tlie strength of the captain’s 
praise, He is a brave boy.” 

Finally Harry, after a long pitiful effort rolled 
over on his back and looking up at Joe declared 
that he would not, could not, go an inch farther. 

^^Joe,” said he, you’ve done the square thing 
by me. I’m a goner. Don’t stay here any longer, 
strike out for yourself” 

But Joe, without paying much heed to what 
Harry was saying, was thinking what could be 
done. As for deserting his companion, that was 
not to be thought of. He was recalling Dan’s 
words that had made such an impression on him 
and he said to himself : I think it would be 
mean for him to leave me to die, and it will be 
just as mean for me to leave him.” 

^^Oli, no. I’ll not leave yon, Harry,” he said 
with a smile as bright as Harry had ever seen. 

That was well enough as a resolve but what was 
to be done? The shore was two miles off He 
made up his mind at once. Taking the remaining 
blanket he wrapped the half-conscious Harry as 
warmly as he could and tucking him in said : 


A BRAVE BOY 


31 


Keep up heart, old man ; Idl save you yet.’’ 
This was Joe speaking and Joe smiling, but Harry 
could hardly believe it. 

Joe darted oif on the run, but his heart failed 
him, for the lowering sky told him that snow was 
soon to come. He was in a wilderness of ice, but 
the captain’s words of praise kej)t ringing in his 
ears like Chrisbi^as bells. 

I’ll be a brave boy,” he said as he dashed on. 
He seemed to be roused to a perfect fury of action. 
Forgetting his own sufferings, his own cold and 
hunger, his frostbitten cars and fingers and toes, 
lie had only one desire and felt only one purpose, to 
save his companion, Harry. 

But how was he to find his way back ? In his 
wild desire to reacli the shore for help he had not ^ 
tliought of that. For a moment lie was puzzled. 
But only for a moment. Taking off his outer coat 
he cut it into long strijis and placed them at inter- 
vals on the highest crags ^of ice, keeping them in 
place by putting ehunks of ice upon them. Thus 
for a considerable distance he blazed his way,” as 
they say in the woods. These flaunting rags were 
to show him the way back. 

All this took time and endangered his safety. 
Still it must be done. He was almost fainting, but 
with all the strength he had, he bounded on, careless 
of falls, of bruises, of the biting, numbing cold. 


32 


EVENINGS AT STTADYCEOFT 


Now lie is no chnni]i, is he, Teddy ? He had 
only one desire, to save his shipmate. He had for- 
gotten himself, he was running a life-and-death race 
for the sake of Harry, his enemy and tormentor. 

He is a brave boy ; ” anybody would say that 
now. But in this white frozen wilderness there was 
no one to give help, nobody to say one cncon raging 
word, no eye watching him but the great eye of 
(jod. 

He arrived at the shore of the lake just as the 
first flakes of snow were beginning to fall. PTe 
clambered np a steep ])ath until he reached the 
summit near a house and then, after calling feebly 
for help, was taken in almost fainting. Pic soon re- 
vived however and told his story; and the firmer 
and his men turned out ]irepared for the rescue. 

Joe scouted the idea of being left in the house, 
nlthongh the farmer assured him that he thought 
they would be able to find Harry ; he would not be 
left ; he must go. So putting an old coat on him, 
they started off, Joe dashing away with as much 
eagerness and nimbleness as a racehorse. Th('y 
went on and on, guided by the impetuous Joe, Avho, 
looking ahead with an anxiety and dread that not 
oue of the others felt, ke])t a bright lookout for his 
companion. What if, after all, PTarry should be 
dead ? 

The snow was now fulliug rapidly and they had 


A BRAVE BOY 


33 


attempted the rescue not a minute too soon, because 
the fluttering streamers would soon have been 
weighted under a heavy covering of snow, and res- 
cue would have been impossible. 

On and on they went guided by the brave, de- 
termined boy. They reached the last streamer of 
Joe’s old coat and then they had to hunt without 
their friendly help. Look where they would, noth- 
ing like the form of Harry could be seen. Joe was 
in agony. 

But after a wild moment of terror he darted for-- 
ward with a cry of joy; he had seen a rounded 
mass covered with snow that he hoped might be his 
friend. Yes, it was he ! ^ 

Oh, I wonder whether he is alive ! I wonder, I 
wonder,” sighed Joe. A few moments later, he was 
on his knees beside his shipmate. 

Harry was conscious although much benumbed 
and frostbitten. A litter had been brought on 
which Harry was placed, but just as they had cov- 
ered him up, poor Joe smiled in a sickly way, his 
eyes closed, and he fell forward in a dead faint. He 
was completely exhausted. So on the return trip, 
the rescuers had two to bear instead of one, as they 
had reckoned. The wild determination for Harry’s 
rescue being gone, Joe’s strength had failed, but not 
until he had rescued his friend. Yes, he was a 
brave boy. 

c 


34 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Now no one will tlonbt that Joe was a brave boy, 
nor will you blame him if in his boyhood, with a 
spirit cowed and broken, he was hateful in his inter- 
course with others. But he had a brave spirit hid- 
den under that gloomy, hateful appearance. It was 
the chance words of a rough sailor, who by a simple 
question, out of pity and good-will for the boy, 
changed him, and showed him the folly of attempt- 
ing to pay back the injuries he received ; so that, 
helped by the recollection of Dan’s simple kindness 
and sympathy, he had done for his tormentor as 
much as he could have done for his friend. Kind- 
ness from Dan had won kindness for Harry. 

Joe’s life was changed; he was a different boy; 
he became a different man ; and to-day he sails as 
captain of a big steamer on the lake where he met 
his first adventure. 

Is that the end ? ” inquired Alice anxiously. 

W ell, that wasn’t so bad,” said Lambert. 

Ted,” shouted Phil, what was the moral of 
that story ? ” 

Oh, hang the moral ! I don’t care for the 
moral, but I’ll take back what I said about Joe’s 
being a chump ; he was a brick. I’ve half a mind 
to speak to that little beggar that stole our rabbits 
last winter, and who looks as mad as if he could eat 
me when I tease him.” 


A BRAVE BOY 


35 


' ^^Say, Phil, I’ll tell you something,” said Lam- 
bert ; it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to tell us 
a story every night.” 

All right, as long as the stories last,” responded 
Phil laughing. 

So the Shadycrofters went to bed, not on the ice 
in the middle of Lake Michigan, but to dream of 
doing so, anyway. 



T seemed to be taken as fixed that 
the Shadycrofters would have a 
story the next niglit, so after tea 
Lambert asked : 

What is the name of the story to-niglit, Pliil ? ’’ 
And whaPs the moral ? Hurry np ; tell me 
the moral/’ shouted Teddy. 

Well, now, you are entirely too pert,” said Phil. 
Maybe you’ll be more interested in it if I don’t 
tell yon either the name of the story or the moral. 
80 


ray’s prize 


37 


Tell you wluit I’ll do ; I’ll tell you the story and 
leave you to give it a name and guess the moral.” 

That’s a go,” said Teddy. Get up steam, 
Phil ; we’re ready.” 

So Phil started oh* on his second story. 

Ray did everything with a dash. Whether it 
was work or play, it was the same. He would 
dash through his lessons, sometimes doing as we 
have all done, leaving them only half studied. 
You of course are not like him in this respect, I 
know. 

[Here Lambert was about to nudge Teddy, when 
Teddy nudged him.] 

Ray would dash into parlor or library with boots 
fresh from the street, and when his mother, seeing 
the tracks of his boots over carpets and rugs, would 
set him on a chair to think about it, he would be so 
sorry. Then he would dash out again in double- 
quick time as soon as his mother released him. 

A football was his delight, and since it was a 
thing to be kicked, he kicked it, and harder than 
any fellow in the neighborhood. He made big 
kites — perhaps not so big as those you have made, 
but still very big — and the windier the day the bet- 
ter ; he did so love to see the kite pitch.” Though 
the telegraph wires were lined with his failures, he 
kept on making them and flying them — that is, the 


38 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCKOFT 


kites I mean, of course. He hit liarcler than he 
thought and yelled louder than he ought — that is 
l)oetry, isn’t it? He had a good appetite — was 
always hungry ; and in sj)ite of his mother’s warn- 
ings, as you can easily imagine, he always ate too 
fast. Most boys do, however. He was his mother’s 
joy all the same. His father wondered whether he 
had ever done such ridiculous things when he was a 
boy as Ray did, or gotten into such ridiculous scra2)es 
as Ray. 

Now maybe you will be surprised to hear that in 
some directions Ray was a very timid boy, but such 
he was. With all his dash and go, he was very, 
very timid and bashful in speaking to people older 
than himself. 

One windy day in March he fitted a mast and 
sail to his express wagon and sailed down the smooth 
asphalt pavement to his own delight and the won- 
der and amazement of others who were watching 
him. It was jolly, but it was soon brought to a 
stoj) because it nearly caused a runaway. 

The plain country horse that came poking along, 
if he had ever seen a ship in his life, had certainly 
never seen one sailing down the village pavement ; 
so thinking, perhaps, that the ship was bewitched, 
or that he was bewitched himself, took to his heels, 
all four of them, and ran for all he was worth. 
That ended sailing in the express wagon. 


ray’s prize 


39 


The mention of the express wagon reminds me of 
the story I started to tell you. The village streets 
had pavements of asphalt ; just the thing for racing 
on — but then it was narrow, only about three feet 
wide, and that narrowness once got Ray into 
trouble. 

It so happened that he and a friend had arranged 
a race on their express wagons. They were to stand 
on opposite sides of the streets, and at the word 
^^Go” from another fellow, the two were to dash 
away to the end of the square. 

^^One ! Two ! Three ! Go ! ” You know what 
that means, don’t you? It means that one strains 
every nerve and muscle to get ahead of the other 
fellow. This was a jolly day for such a race, a 
bright cold day in early December. The other fel- 
low somehow got the lead, and Ray, seeing this, 
put all his heart and soul and legs into the race. 

Now just try to put yourself in his place ; how 
you would try and pull ! I will leave it to you to 
imagine how much he wanted to win. Everybody 
wants to win in a race ; that is, everybody of any 
sense and spirit. 

He was just beginning to make up what he lost 
when to his disgust he saw, about fifty feet in front 
of him, a woman coming out of her house to the 
pavement. The pavement was only three feet wide, 
the asphalt part, so you sec he was in a fix. He 


40 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


could not turn out or wait for her to ,|)ass. If she 
delayed him for two seconds he would lose the race, 
and that was simply terrible. The loss of the Iloyal 
George was nowhere in comparison with it. You 
know all about the lloyal George, of course. 

He blew his whistle, a good loud blast, because 
he thought that she would understand that it meant 
what a red lantern means to a train, Danger, get 
out of the road ! ’’ But she did not seem to under- 
stand at all, for she kept straight on. He waved 
his hand frantically, but neither hand nor whistle 
had any effect. She held her course, as the sailors 
say, until Ray was almost on top of her, ^yhen for 
very fear of running her down, he had to slow uj). 
The mischief was done, the race was lost. The other 
fellow bowled along' with a yell of triumph. Poor 
Ray. His heart was full to bursting. 

Why didn’t you get out of the road ? ” he ex- 
claimed angrily. 

Now that was so thoroughly ungentlemanly that 1 
know you are ready to drop Ray here and now, but 
don’t be too fast or too hard about it. Wait till you 
hear the rest of the story. Any boy is liable to fall 
into error, and especially a youngster of Ray’s tem- 
perament — temperament is a long word ; ask your 
mother Avhat it means ; that is, if you don’t know 
yourself. If you remember Ray’s dashing way of 
doing things, you won’t be so hard on him. 


RAY^S PRIZE 


41 


Well, having said his rude words, he dashed 
down the street like the misehief — I beg pardon, 1 
mean he proceeded very rapidly. There’s an ex- 
ample of what I said a moment ago, that any one 
is liable to fall into error. He caught the other 
fellow and challenged him to another race. This 
time he won, and so he was happy again and forgot 
all about the lady. 

Not so the lady. She had not forgotten him. 
She was very much offended. She had a right to 
be, for Ray had been very rude. He had not acted 
the gentleman. The loss of the race was no excuse 
for his rudeness. So what did the lady do but go 
and report Ray’s conduct to his mother. 

I forgot to tell you that this story is divided into 
chapters, and this is the end of the first chapter. 

That evening Ray, his father, and his mother, 
had a consultation as to what was to be done. 
Maybe you wonder that it took all three of them, 
but then his father and mother were very much 
shocked to think that their boy could do such a 
thing. Ray tried to excuse himself by saying that 
he did not think.” His father and mother tried 
to show him that he ought to have thought, that he 
did very wrong. 

‘‘ Now,” said his father, before bidding him good- 
night, Ray, you have been very rude. What is 
your duty to Mrs. Blank ? ” 


42 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


said Kay, hanging his head, ^^1 sup- 
pose — I ought to beg her pardon,^^ and his lieart 
sank and his voice faltered at the thought. 

You will understand why he faltered and trem- 
bled if you will remember what I said about Ray 
in the beginning, that he was very timid about 
speaking to people older than himself. 

Big boys — or rather, brave boys like you — would 
have gone at once and have begged Mrs. Blank^s 
pardon, but Ray was very, very timid about it. 
Ray felt very unhappy ; but his mother, trying to 
encourage the boy, said : 

^^That is just it. You owe an apology to Mrs. 
Blank. Now go to bed and think it over. To- 
morrow I hope you will do your duty.^’ 

The fact is, his father and mother had spoken 
very kindly to him, and were particularly anxious 
to avoid forcing him to do it, because they had a 
plan in mind in which they were very much in- 
terested. What the plan was you will see, if you 
will not go to sleep before the story is ended. No, 
he was to be left entirely to his own free will. His 
parents had not uttered a single word of punish- 
ment or threat. 

Noav that is a pretty short chapter, isn’t it? 
And yet that is really all there is in it. The next 
is more interesting, as you shall see. 

I really do not know whether Ray slept that 


ray’s prize 


43 


night or not. Nobody liked to ask him about it. 
It is certain, however, that at breakfast he was a 
very quiet, unhappy boy. He did not go out after 
breakfast. There was no dash in him ; he was as 
limp as a wet rag. He did not even look at the 
weather report to see whether it was going to rain. 
He did not care if it did. In fact, he rather 
wished it would rain pitehforks. 

He moped about, looking a very picture of un- 
happiness. Oh, how he wished that he had not 
done it ! Having done it, he could not get away 
from the thought that he ought to apologize. 

But how was he ever to do it ? 

His father and mother smiled as they watched 
him from the corners of their eyes ; they seemed to 
talk of everything under the sun but of Mrs. Blank 
and the apology. 

This is not a fairy story. There are no fairies 
in it ; it is a real story of real men, women, and 
boys. But it so happened, at the very time Bay 
had committed the offense, his mother and father 
were considering the question of buying him a 
safety bicycle for a Christmas present. The fact 
is, Ray was saving up for one, and already had 
eight dollars toward it, and had been calculating 
that by the first of June or July he would have 
enough to buy one. 

But Ray’s rudeness led his fiither and mother to 


44 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCIiOFT 


11 decision very (j[uickly, and it was this : 1 1 Kay 
should, without any coinpulsion, go to Mrs. Blank 
and apologize, they would buy him the bicycle, and 
if he should fail to do so, they would not. 

Now you have been let into the secret, and you 
can see how much was depending on his doing Ids 
duty, although of course, he did not know anything 
about this. If he had only known what you know 
about the bicycle, perhaps it would have helped 
him to get the better of his timidity, and he would 
probably have gone to Mrs. Blank’s in a jiffy. No, 
he was to go and apologize simply from a sense of 
duty, and not because of any reward that he ex- 
pected. Now I hope I have made that plain. He 
did not know of the bicycle and you know all 
about it. 

Well, he wandered about the house for a long 
time like a cat in a strange garret, — if you know 
how that is, — when all of a sudden bedashed down- 
stairs two steps at a time, went to the hall rack, 
put on his coat and cap, and went out on the front 
j)orch with a look of grim determination on his 
face. But when he got to the last button of his 
overcoat, his fingers began to move more slowly 
and he faltered, turned, came back again, and sit- 
ting down on the step, looked a very picture of 
misery. 

It is not very often that a mother laughs at a 


ray’s prize 


45 


child who is in misery, but Ray’s mother could not 
help it. He looked so funny. 

[‘^ Oh, pshaw ! ” broke in Teddy. Why didn’t 
he go ahead and be done with it ? ” 

^^Well,” replied Phil, ^Hhat is just what Ray 
himself would probably have said to any one else. 
But you must remember that Ray was very timid 
in the presence of his elders.”] 

He was not a weak-minded boy by any means, 
but the trial through which he was to go was, to 
him at least, simply terrible, as you will see if you 
will consider a moment. 

He was to go down to Mrs. Blank’s house and 
ring the bell, and ask the servant whether Mrs. 
Blank were in. Then he was to wait in the big, 
silent parlor for her to come down, and then stand 
up before this portly, stately lady and say that he 
had acted rudely and ask her pardon. 

Oh, it was awful ! and there is many a bigger 
fellow tlian he who would have hesitated, or else 
perhaps have decided at once not to make the 
apology. But Ray was trying to make up his 
mind to do his duty. 

All this time his mother was watcliing him with 
a heart as anxious as his own. How she loved the 
boy ! just as your mother loves you all three. How 
she hoped and prayed that tlie dear little fellow 
might gain the victory and be a gentleman ! 


46 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


At last she saw him dart off the porch as if he 
had seen a runaway. There is nothing likp that, 
you know, to attract a boy. But he slowed up as 
he approached Mrs. Blank^s house — slower, slower, 
slower — another dash and he was up on her door- 
step ringing the bell. Now tliat he was there, he 
felt like running away. I wish you could have 
heard his heart beat. 

A few minutes later he came dashing home again. 

Dashing is a word I have not been using much 
of late about Ray ; but he was dashing again, with 
a face as bright and beaming as the sun. He had 
made the apology ; he had done his duty. 

I done it, mother, I done it he shouted. 

That was pretty bad grammar, Avasn’t it? But 
his mother Avas not thinking much of grammar just 
then ; she Avas ready to smother him Avith kisses. 
But he AA^as off like a streak for his express Avagon 
and for another race. He AA^on CA^ery race he Avent 
into. The apology seemed to have oiled his Avheels 
and greased his heels. That is the second time I 
haA^e been poetical, isn’t it? He felt as if he could 
beat a locomotiA^. 

That evening there Avas another conference — 
father, mother, and Ray ; and it AA^as much happier 
than the other. They talked of Ray’s a])ology, and 
his father and mother tried to impress their boy 
Avith the idea that he ought ahvays to do his duty. 


bay’s prize 


47 


no matter how disagreeable it might be, because, as 
his father said solemnly, it is right, and because we 
never know what consequences may come from a 
duty done or neglected. 

The fact is, Ray,” said he, I wish so much to 
impress this idea upon you that I am going to ask 
you to write it down on paper. Here, take this 
tablet and write down what I have just said.” 

Ray took the tablet and wrote these words : 

We should always do our duty, no matter how 
disagreeable it may be, as we never know what con- 
squentces a neglected duty may bring. 

Then he signed it with big letters, every letter a 
capital— RAY BRINTON. 

He got stuck on the word ^^consequences,” but 
then it was not a spelling lesson, so his father said 
nothing about it ; you know what he meant, so it’s 
all right. 

Christmas drew on nearer and nearer, and in all 
the talks about presents not a word was dropped 
about the new safety ” that Ray was to get. If 
any words were ever said about his apology, it was 
only to impress the fact that in apologizing to Mrs. 
Blank he had done nothing more than any gentle- 
man ought to do. 

He was kept in the dark about the ^M)ike,” but 
the present of a five-dollar bill from an uncle who 


48 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


lived in California was added to the treasure with 
which he hoped to buy the bike.’’ Maybe you 
think a California uncle ought to have sent a fifty- 
dollar bill, but he didn’t, and that was all about it. 
At any rate Ray was mightily pleased. 

^^Hip — hip,” he shouted, waving the bill above 
his head, I’ll have my safety by March.” So the 
first of March he fixed as the time for its i)urchase. 
His last thought as he fell asleep that night was, 
that his safety was only three months olf. Ob, 
happy first of March ! 

That very night Ray’s father brought from the 
city a brand new bicycle, with a pneumatic tire. It 
was a beauty. Now I have to remind you again 
that this is not a fairy tale. It was brought by 
night because his father did not dare to have it 
brought by day ; Ray would have seen it. 

Leaving it outside till he was certain that Ray 
was in bed he brought it in, when, after it had been 
admired in all its parts by Ray’s mother and grand- 
mother, it was taken upstairs and concealed. 

Ray had all the hopes and joys of an ordinary 
boy of ten about Christmas time. But the bicycle 
as a Christmas gift never entered his head, the fact 
that lie was saving up to buy one so completely oc- 
cupied him. 

But he was happy even if he was impatient, at 
the thought that on the first of March, just when 


ra.y’s prize 


49 


the snow and ice would be going away, he would 
get his bike/’ It was only three months to the 
first of March. 

He was also very happy because he was certain 
of receiving something nice at Christmas, anyhow. 

Christmas Day came at last. The bicycle was 
placed with the other presents. Day was brought 
in blindfolded, and then told to remove the bandage. 

You should have seen him. His face was a 
study. His eyes opened wider than they ever had 
before ; his chin puckered up as if his mouth were 
full of persimmons ; his lips twitched through all 
the shapes of an Arabic alphabet ; and then tears 
filled his eyes. It was some moments before he 
found his tongue, and when he found it, he did not 
know how to use it, because when he attempted to 
speak he said something like this : 

Why — how — I — where did that— oh, it’s beau- 
tiful ! Who — I don’t understand.” 

Now that is not very good English, is it? Well, 
he was simply too happy to express himself. 

Come here. Day,” said his fixther ; come here 
and read this.” 

Day took the tablet in his hand and read : 

We should always do our duty, no matter how 
disagreeable it may be, as we never know what con- 
squentces a neglected duty may bring. 

DAY BDINTON. 


50 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Then his father told him the secret that I have 
told you already : how it was that Ray himself set- 
tled the question of getting the safety/^ although 
"he did not know anything about it at the time. 

Do you understand ? said his father. 

Ray did understand, and I think he learned a 
lesson, and I hope you may too. 

^^Now that^s the story, and you remember you 
were to give it a name and tell me the moral. 
What shall yon call it ? ’’ 

Call it ^ Ray^s Wrath,^ suggested Lambert. 

Say, Alice, I’m sorry I spoiled your drawing to- 
day.” Then to himself roguishly, ^^I’ve apologized; 
I wonder whether she will give me a ^ bike ’ ? ” 

Call it, ^ How Ray earned his bike ” without 
knowing it,’ ” said Teddy. 

Call it, ^ The way Ray Brinton got his bicycle 
by having done his duty in apologizing for his rude 
action to an old lady,’ ” said Alice. 

^^Oh that title’s as long as the story,” said Ted. 

That won’t do.” 

Well, we won’t bother about the name any 
more. Now, Teddy, what is the moral?” 

But Teddy had vanished. 



said Lambert. 

It is about unselfishness and a waterspout.’^ 
^^AYell, that is a queer combination anyhow/’ 


said Lambert. 


^^Unselfishness and a waterspout; well, I 
never ! ” 

^^Yes, that’s it. You may call it ^Dick’s Ad- 
venture,’ if you like ; and here’s the story.” 


51 


52 


EVENINGS AT SlIADYCROFT 


Dick was a pretty good fellow and a great reader. 
He had been reading a book of noble actions in 
which was told the story of Sir Philip Sydney’s gen- 
erous act at the battle of Zutphen in giving a cup of 
water to a dying soldier ; you know all about that 
of course, so I needn’t tell you anything about it. 

Mother,” said Dick, I Avish I could do some- 
thing nobly unselfish as Philip Sydney did.” 

^^-Well,” said his mother in a cheery tone, yon 
need not be long without the opportunity ; I have 
heard other boys wish that after reading of Sir 
Philip’s act. His generous deed made him famous, 
and it has lived in the minds of men three hundred 
years ; but Avhich do you wish most, to be unselfish 
or to be film on s ? ” 

Well, that made Dick put on his thinking cap, 
but after a few moments his face broke into a broad 
smile as he said, I guess it was my wish to be 
famous.” 

But don’t you think it is a fine thing to be un- 
selfish, anyway ? ” asked his mother. 

Indeed I do, and a great sight better to be un- 
selfish Aifiien our act may not be known than wlien 
we are sure it Avill become known. That is clear 
enough.” 

That is the Avay to talk,” said his mother. 

Thousands and thousands of acts have been just 
as unselfish as Sir Philip’s, though they are not so 


DICK^S ADVENTURE 


63 


well known. If yon really wish to do something 
nnsellish you' won’t be long without the opportu- 
nity.” 

\yell, then, I am going to be unselfish,” and so 
he felt, and so determined in his boy heart. It 
seemed so easy to resolve it that he felt as if he had 
already accomplished it. 

But you all know it is one thing to make a reso- 
lution and another thing to keep it. He was taken 
down in a very short time as you will see. 

He and his brothers had arranged a May-day 
picnic, but, as often occurs, a few days before the 
time appointed there had come a cold, soaking rain. 
The wind that blew was anything but warm and 
balmy ; it was more like March than May ; but the 
sun Avas trying to get out, and finally it succeed(;d. 
So, as it is such a hard thing for a child to put off a 
picnic, their mother allowed them to start. 

Dick being full of his purpose to be unselfish, 
had, after some labor Avith himself, consented to 
have his little brother of six go Avith him. 

That certainly is unselfish,” thought he. 

Maybe mother Avill speak of it.” 

She did not, hoAvever, and perhaps Dick Avas a 
little disappointed. 

Noav you must not imagine that Dick AA^as a hypo- 
crite ; you knoAV Avhat that is of course — oh no, he 
was not a hypocrite. He Avas very much like the 


54 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


rest of US. I want you to believe that he was really 
trying to be unselfish. He went off feeling about 
two inches taller because he knew he had been un- 
selfish in allowing his slow, short-legged little brother 
to go at all. 

It turned out, however, that little \yillie was 
slower than Dick had expected. Besides, Dick was 
anxious to get over the ground quickly. He knew 
a place at a distance where he was certain violets 
were plenty, and for one moment a selfish thought 
flitted across his mind: wish we had left Willie 

home. He’d be just as happy there as here.” 

Nevertheless the little fellow seemed to be enjoy- 
ing his long walk, and Dick was half reconciled, 
but his unselfishness was going to be put to a test 
and all his conceit knocked out of him. 

They had not gone half a mile when Willie, who 
was very clumsy on his feet, in crossing a low 
meadow was unlucky enough to let his foot slij) 
into a deep hole filled with cold water and mud. 
His shoes and stockings were soaking wet. 

Dick saw the result in a minute. They would 
have to go back at once ; he would not dare to 
allow his brother to remain with wet, cold feet. 
Croup or pneumonia might be the consequence. 
The day’s fun was completely gone. 

All this flashed like lightning through his brain, 
and looking daggers at his brother, he blurted out : 


DICK^S ADVENTURE 


55 


You’re a good-for-nothing, clumsy boy.” 

Poor, fat, clumsy little brother, how unhappy he 
felt and looked. For a moment he said nothing, 
but he lifted his eyes timidly to his big unselfish 
brother and there Avas a tear in his eye and a quiver 
about his chin as he whimpered : 

I — I — didn’t go to do it.” 

Oh, ^ go to do it ! go to do it ’ ! Why didn’t 
you look out where you Avere going ? ” said the un- 
selfish Dick. 

Noav if you think that is very ugly in Dick, never 
do the same thing yourself. 

There Avas only one thing to do, so they started 
toAvard home, Dick in his anger giving the little 
felloAV a savage jerk every little Avhile by Avay of 
shoAving his unselfishness. The little felloAv, look- 
ing much disgraced, trudged on in silence. 

As they neared home Dick’s anger had cooled 
someAvhat and he tried to speak more kindly to his 
brother, and to coax him out of his grief, but it was 
of no use. Willie’s gentle spirit Avas too deeply 
Avounded ; it could not recover its balance so 
quickly. The harsh tones and harsh Avords of his 
unselfish brother had been too much for his sen- 
sitive nature, and all he Avanted was to be Avith his 
mother Avhere he might cry his vexation out. Yes, 
he Avanted to cry. FelloAvs like you, of course, don’t 
cry for little things. 


56 EVENINGS A,T SHADYCROFT 

Dick thought a good bit in a short time, I can tell 
yon, so by the time he reached their porch he thor- 
oughly despised himself ; he sighed as he thought 
of how his resolution had gone to the winds. 

Mother,^^ said he, with his head hanging, 

Willie slipped into a puddle of water and I have 
brought him home.’^ 

That was very kind and thoughtful,’^ said his 
mother ; the poor little fellow would have caught 
cold if you had not done so.” 

Well, how do yon suppose Dick felt after receiv- 
ing this praise from his mother? You know how 
little he deserved it, and he knew. 

^^Oh, mother, I don’t deserve to be praised. 1 
was a mean, selfish boy. When he slipped in, 1 
was so angry I broke my resolution ; I was harsh 
and unkind to him.” 

^^Well, you see you then had your opportunity, 
as did Sir Philip Sydney, but you did not take ad- 
vantage of it. Never mind, my boy, try again. 
We will change Willie’s shoes and stockings and 
you can be olf in a jilfy.” 

I don’t want to go again. I don’t want to go. 
I won’t go ! I want to stay with you,” whimpered 
AYillie. And there was no coaxing him out of it. 

Don’t think that this is Dick’s adventure ; that’s 
coming after a while. 

The picnic was spoiled for that day, of course ; 


DICK^S ADVENTURE 


57 


but they tried it again, you may be sure, when the 
day was warmer and the meadow was drier, and 
little Willie declared, on coming home, that he had 
never had such a jolly day, and that there never 
was such a lovely brother as Dick. 

The fact is, Dick had turned the day to account 
for Willie’s special amusement. He was trying to 
wipe out his former disgrace and selfishness. He 
hunted u}) interesting leaves and flowers, jack-in- 
the-pulpits with their funny blossoms, and curious 
bugs that rolled themselves up in a ball ; and then 
they went to the creek and caught minnows and 
tadpoles too. Oh, but they had a jolly day, I tell 
you ! 

Dick succeeded this time. You see, he was in 
earnest, and if he failed before, it was because he 
was hasty and human, like the rest of us, and not 
because he did not mean to be unselfish. 

Well, we have not come to the adventure yet, 
but it’s coming. 

Dick continued to make progress, and as he grew 
older, he grew more and more unselfish, and with 
the influence and example of his mother, and of his 
own purpose, he became known as the best fellow 
about. 

When a few years had gone by, perhaps four or 
five, and Dick was about fourteen, his uncle was 
taken ill, and remained so for many months. 


58 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


You must have a sea voyage/^ said the doctor 
one day. You must go on a sailing ship that you 
may be as long a time on the sea as possible.’^ 

Dick heard that his uncle was going on a sea 
voyage with very wishful feelings. He had so 
wanted to see the ocean, to be out of sight of land, 
with nothing but sky and water around him. He 
almost wished he were his uncle that he might have 
the pleasure his uncle had in prospect. What was 
his surprise and delight one day to hear his father 
say to him : 

^^Dick, what do you say to going with your 
uncle ? I had intended to go with him, but I canH 
go now, and he is anxious to be off, so if you have 
no objection, Idl let you go instead. What do you 
say?’' 

Dick could hardly say anything for joy. Noth- 
ing could have suited him better, and so it was de- 
cided. They were to go to the West Indies. 

Now that Dick is going to sea, perhaps you will 
hear of Dick’s adventure. 

They were all a little anxious about his taking 
care of his uncle ; how that would turn out they 
were not sure. However, he determined to do his 
best, and he had not lost any of his purpose to be 
unselfish. He did not think of meeting any trial 
of his unselfishness nor of any adventure before 
him ; but the greatest trial of his life was coming. 


dick’s adventure 


59 


one that put his unselfishness to the greatest test it 
had eveV stood. At present, everything was bright 
and joyous. 

His first Sunday at sea was a most beautiful day. 
The sky was filled with masses of snowy clouds, 
and the wind growing less and less, toward noon 
completely died out. This was a matter of great 
consequence to them, as their craft was a sailing 
ship. The sails hung limp and heavy from the 
yards and stays and lay absolutely motionless. The 
man at the wheel, an old-time sailor, would occa- 
sionally look astern or over the quarter and give a 
low whistle. He was whistling for the wind,” he 
said. But once, as he turned his eyes to the right, 
Dick saw his face brighten, and at the same instant 
the mate, who was standing near, took a step toward 
the rail. Dick turned in the direction they were 
looking, and saw, afar off, a low, dark cloud, from 
which was dangling something that looked like the 
swaying proboscis of an elephant. It Avas a water- 
spout ! 

Perhaps the danger from a waterspout is made 
too much of by the sailor, but whether he is right 
or not, it is a cause of real alarm. So it was in 
this case. At first it was so far otf that it seemed 
motionless, but it became clear after a while that it 
was advancing, and that too just in the direction of 
their ship ! 


60 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Call the captain/^ said the mate (piietly. 

The ca})tain poked his head out of the companion- 
way, took in the situation at a glance, and shouted : 

^^veep her otf!^^ 

But that was easier said than done ; there was no 
wind to keep her off. It Avas a dead calm. Dick 
thought it quite interesting at first, but the serious 
faces of those about him soon made him think other- 
wise. 

Here let me say that a waterspout often conies 
with a big storm of wind. Those who have gone 
over the path of a tornado or cloud-burst on land, 
can imagine some of the damage it may do when it 
meets the spreading sails and pointing spars of a 
sliip. 

Steadily it came on in its silent sweep until they 
could see the surface of the water boiling and bois- 
terous. Thick clouds of vapor rose, and the twist- 
ing funnel of Avater swung loAver and loAver, as if 
striving to reach the surface. At length the surface 
was reached ; a column of Avater then connected 
cloud and sea ; it grcAV thicker and thicker every 
instant, and not an inch did it move from its 
straight, onward path. 

Just at this moment, Avhen all hearts Avere filled 
Avith deep anxiety, the steward came to the side of 
Dick and said : 

Your uncle Avants you.’^ 


bick's adventure 


Gl 


Oh, pshaw, let him wait ! burst out Dick. 

I must see this waterspout.’^ 

So for a few moments he looked on in anxious 
interest, till, his better feelings coming to him, he 
went slowly toward the door leading to the cabin. 

He had not lost liis determination to be unselfish ; 
but, as you will all admit, this was a pretty severe 
test. How he did wish to see that waters})out nearer 
at hand ! Something he had never seen before, 
might never see again. Then too the anxiety, the 
boyish curiosity, the desire to see all that was going 
on ! 

Just think how you would like to leave all this 
and go down to a dim stateroom to a cross, irri- 
table, unreasonable man. 

He quickened Ids pace in a moment and bursting 
into his uncle’s room exclaimed breathlessly, Oh 
uncle, there’s a big waterspout coming toward us ! 
Will you not excuse me for a few minutes until I 
see what it is going to do?” 

Excuse you ? No.” 

^^Oh, uncle,” pleaded Dick, just for a few min- 
utes, I may never see a waterspout again.” 

Bother the waterspout ! ” said his uncle. You 
have been away too long already. You are a 
thoughtless, selfish boy to leave me so long alone.” 

Now this was all unjust, not to say cruel. Dick 
had not been away fifteen minutes, and he felt a 


62 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCIIOFT 


hot, angry reply about to come to his lips, when he 
thought to himself, No, I won’t ; I’m trying to be 
unselfish. I’ll try and bear it.” 

All right, uncle,” he said quietly ; what can I 
do for you ? ” 

^^Oh, I don’t want anything in particular; I 
only want you here.” 

Now that was pretty mean, Avasn’t it? It might 
have been some comfort if his uncle had really 
needed anything, but he wanted absolutely nothing ; 
it Avas simply a Avhim. He AA’anted Dick there, that 
Avas all. 

You must not be surprised therefore if Dick Avas 
angry. You can think hoAV you Avould feel your- 
self. He could have kicked a ])anel out of the 
door Avithout any trouble, and I think it Avould 
haA^e relieved him if he had, because he Avas almost 
bursting. 

What’s the matter Avith you, anyhoAV ? ” said 
his uncle, eyeing him angrily. Why can’t you be 
cheerful ? ” 

I didn’t knoAV I Avasn’t cheerful, uncle,” said 
Dick. 

As you are sitting here quietly, try and imagine 
yourself cheerful under the circumstances. I knoAV 
there is no danger that you Avill blame him for not 
being cheerful, if his uncle did. 

But Dick was so determined in his purpose to be 


dick’s adventure 


63 


unselfish that after a while he really did become 
cheerful, and as he thought over his situation and 
then contrasted it with his uncle’s demand, he 
could not help breaking out into a broad smile. 
The smile helped him, however, and trying to for- 
get what was going on above deck he devoted him- 
self brightly and unselfishly to the task of enter- 
taining his irritable uncle. 

On deck every precaution had been taken for 
their safety. Royals and topgallant sails had been 
furled ; hatches and doorways fastened securely, 
there was nothing to do but to await the blow. 
The men moyed about the deck silently and hardly 
a word was heard but the harsh, gruff tones of 
command. Oh for a wind that would carry them 
a thousand feet ! Suddenly the voice of the cap- 
tain was heard : Stand by your braces.” Every 
word was like an electric stroke. Then dead si- 
lence for a moment. Then again in quick succes- 
sion, Let go starboard ; haul in port.” Maybe 
that’s all Greek to you, but it simply meant that 
they were to loosen one side of the sails and haul 
in on the other. The same moment a breath of 
air was felt. What tliey had been praying for, a 
breeze, had come. A shout from the crew and the 
quick creaking of the pulleys followed the captain’s 
command. They heard the swasli of the waters ; 
the waterspout passed astern, and they were safe. 


04 


EVENINGS AT STIADYCROFT 


But of all this Dick saw nothing, and knows to 
this day nothing more of it than you do. He was 
down below being cheerful with his uncle, while all 
this excitement was on deck. When after several 
hours, his uncle was disposed to go on deck, Dick 
learned of what I have told you. All agreed that 
it had been an exciting, anxious time. Dick was 
awfully downcast that he had not been able to 
see it with his own eyes, as you would have been 
too, and for a moment a feeling of anger and resent- 
ment took hold of him. This was because he was 
not perfect any more than you are ; but Dick con- 
quered even this angry feeling and if, deep down in 
his heart, there was a regret that he had not seen 
the waterspout there was no anger against his 
uncle. 


Goodness, T was scared !” said Alice. 

I think Ikl have let my uncle wait,’’ said Lam- 
bert. 

Wliy did you call it ^Dick’s Adventure’? I 
would call it ^ The Grumpiness of Dick’s Uncle,’ ” 
put in 'Teddy. I’d pay the uncle back somehow.” 

‘‘ But,” continued Phil, you must remember 
his uncle was ill. The reason I have called the 
story ^ Dick’s Adventure,’ is just because that is all 
he gets out of it, that is, his name put to it. I 
luive called it by his name to make up for his loss. 


dick’s adventure 


65 


But while it is true that he had lost the sight of the 
waterspout, he had gained more than he thought. 
He had accomplished his purpose to be unselfish, 
and if in after days one after another of his com- 
panions spoke of his cheerful companionship, of his 
kind deeds, of his unselfish friendship, not one of 
them — perhaps not Dick himself — ever dreamed of 
the part a waterspout had in making him an unsel- 
fish man. 


E 




E have been to Lake M 
Michigan for one story, 
to Pennsylvania for a sec- 
ond, to the AYest Indies 
for another, and now we 
shall make a long skip 
Arabia for the fourth,^’ 
said Phil, begin- 
ning the even- 
ing^s entertainment. 

I ^^And since Teddy has 
such a dread of the moral. 

I’ll not say anything of that, but 


66 


THE MAGIC PONY 


67 


leave it to your own gumption to find one. The 
story is called, ^ Perseverance and the Magic Pony.’ ” 

Then, standing up as usual, Phil proceeded as 
follows : 

If any of you were to be asked to find a boy or 
girl who should be noted for earnestness and per- 
severance, 3^011 would probably go to Connecticut or 
somewhere in New England an^^how, or perhaps to 
New Jersey or to Indiana. The last place in the 
world you would think of would be Arabia. 

Well, that is just because you have never been 
beyond your own neighborhood, though you are 
right in general about the Arab boys. But if any 
of you think that an Arab boy may not be as good 
as the best of you, just listen to the story I am go- 
ing to tell. Some boys think that the good things 
of life come by luck, and at times it looks very 
much like that. However, we’ll see. 

A number of dark-skinned little Arabs were 
sporting under a shady clump of cocoa palms. 
They had few clothes on, but their bare feet and 
legs had a good covering of sunburn and mother 
earth. If you don’t know what mother earth ” 
means, ask your father to explain it. I haven’t 
time ; I am so anxious to get on with the story. 
As for the clothes, it didn’t matter much, the cli- 
mate was so warm. The fact is, the climate, and 


68 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCIIOFT 


this day in particular, Avas so warm that it made 
everybody and everything sleepy and sluggish. 

Even the little trickling stream near where the 
boys were playing, appeared almost as sleepy and 
sluggish as the boys themselves, for, as it Avidened 
liere and there into a little lake or pond, it seemed 
almost undecided Avhether it should floAV on or stand 
still. It appeared inclined to stand still. That 
Avas all the better for the boys, because a fcAV of 
them Avere thus able to dabble in its cool Avaters ; 
others were SAvimming, or rather floating ; one or 
two more active than the rest Avere fishing, but it 
Avas only rarely that they dreAV a fish out, and then 
so lazily and sloAvly that any Yankee fish of spirit 
Avould have been off the hook and aAvay, putting a 
piece t)f court-plaster on its torn mouth. In gen- 
eral, it Avas all one Avhether they got a bite or not. 
But all the activity of the scene A\^as among tlnj 
fish. 

Whether avIio got a bite. Cousin Phil, the boys 
or the fish ? ’’ broke in Teddy. 

You are too critical, youngster. Don’t inter- 
rupt me,” said Phil. I haven’t a doubt that by 
tliis time yon are thinking that I am as sIoav as the 
stream or the boys, and Avdshing that I A\T)nld move 
on a little faster ; but sIoav as I am. I’ll have to stop 
a second longer to tell yon this.”] 

The particular spot Avhere the boys Avere gathered 


THE MAGIC PONY 


69 


was all the more delicious because the cool shade of 
the cocoa [)alms was the only shelter from the broil- 
ing sun for a mile or more. If everything else was 
lazy, the sunbeams were not ; they were doing their 
best to make it hot. 

Beyond this little sheltering shade was a hot, dry 
plain ; not a tree more than a foot high — only high 
enough to give shelter to a fairy or a hoptoad. A 
mile off was the side, or rather the foot, of a higli 
hill, and, the road leading to it was rough, thorny, 
and wearisome to any boy who was unhappy enough 
to travel on it. 

Now we have come to the story at last — that is, 
most of us have ; I see Teddy is more interested in 
teasing the cat. But let us get on. 

Ali Otho — that is the name of my dandy, I mean 
my favorite, Arab boy — was just unhooking a poor, 
little, unfortunate minnow which he had 'accidentally 
caught, when ha^ipening to cast his eye off toward 
the hot, dusty plain, he saw appear suddenly, and 
as if by magic, the form of one of the priests or 
dervishes. I caif t stop to tell you about the der- 
vishes. Look the word up in the encyclopaedia or 
ask your father to tell you. He Avhirled around 
and around till it would have made you dizzy to 
look at him — the dervish did, not Ali — and then 
suddenly coming to rest, he glided as smoothly as a 
serpent toward the boys. 


70 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


the Egyptian Dervish/’ said one of the 
boys in a startled whisper. 

My children/’ said the dervish, I will give a 
milk-white pony to the boys who will walk five 
times to yonder hill and back.” 

^^AVill you give a pony to the one who finishes 
first, or to all ? ” asked a boy Avith a slow gleam of 
interest in his eye. 

‘‘ To all,” replied the dervish. 

Now maybe some of you think yon would like 
to have a pony, but your wish can’t possibly equal 
that of the Arab boys. To them a pony was the 
brightest of dreams. The Arabs love the horse, 
and as you know, are the most skillful riders in the 
world. 

But for a boy to own a horse — oh, that was be- 
yond all their ideas ! 

Bah ! the dervish is joking,” said one of the 
boys. 

You trifle,” said another looking at the dervish, 
but half inclined to make the trial. 

^^Nay, by the prophet, I do not trifle,” replied 
the dervish quickly. I shall give a milk-white 
pony to every boy who does as I have said.” 

When Avill you give the ponies ? ” asked an- 
other, still doubting. 

As soon as you finish the last round,” said the 
dervish slowly and Avithout a smile. 


THE MAGIC PONY 


71 


1^11 try it/^ said Ali Otho with determination. 

And I ! ^’ And I ! And I ! ’’ came from 
all around. 

The promise of the dervish seemed fair and 
square, so all was activity in a moment. Those 
who were fishing, moved by Alf s resolve, jerked 
their lazy lines out of the water with more than 
their usual energy, and left them lying in such disor- 
der as would have sadly distressed your mother with 
her ideas of neatness ; others, who were bathing, 
jumped into their clothes, the work of five seconds, 
and all were ready for the start. 

Away they went, some in their eagerness, on the 
run. Oh, it was so jolly and so new, a race in 
which everybody was to be a victor and every one 
a prize-winner ! All that was needed was that they 
should travel five times to the mountain side and 
back. That was all. Pah ! anybody could do 
that ! 

It was all very well for a while, but the hot sun, 
together with the fact that this effort was all so un- 
usual, began to tell on their spirits. One after an- 
other they slackened their bounding pace, hesitated, 
stopped, began to wish they had not started. In 
front of them stretched the hot, dusty, thorny plain, 
and it never looked so hot, nor so dusty, nor so 
thorny, as it did at that particular moment. Back 
of them was the cool shade of the cocoa palms, and 


72 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


the trickling stream and the shade never seemed 
cooler or the rest more inviting. 

I’m going back/’ said Ali’s nearest companion. 

So am I ! ” And I ! ” And I ! ” came 
from all sides. 

I don’t see any pony in all the plain/’ said an- 
other. The dervish wishes but to weary us and 
then laugh us to scorn.” 

No sooner said than done ; they lazily crept back 
to the cool, shady comfort of the cocoa palms, and 
sitting down or throwing themselves on their stom- 
achs, they rested their chins on their hands and 
watched the dim forms of their companions far off 
on the plain. The dervish eyed them severely as 
they came back, but said never a word. 

So it turned out that Ali Otho was left to con- 
tinue the journey with only two companions. They 
pushed on ; Ali, it is true, with the most spirit and 
purpose. His black eyes flashed with the deter- 
mination to have one of those ponies that were so 
freely promised. His scanty clothes did not retard 
him much as he strode on with steady face toward 
the goal. Now and again he took off his red fez to 
wipe the dripping perspiration from his forehead 
and to push back his heavy black hair. 

If you had seen him, you would have recom- 
mended a hair-cut at once. But among the Arabs 
the cutting of hair is a thing that can be done at 


THE MAGIC PONY 


73 


any time, so that it had not been done in his case 
for a long time, and it was uncertain when it would 
be done. 

The boys finished their first round, and in due 
time the second. Thus far the three boys had kept 
together, but this second round used up Alf s two re- 
maining companions. They declined to start again. 
That shows what they were made of, doesnT it? 
You, of course, would have kept on in the race, but 
they didn’t, and that was the difference. 

The dervish said nothing ; he kept his eyes fixed 
far off on the mountain side and looked as stolid 
as a statue. 

We’re fools for doing what we have done,” said 
one of them. ^^It is all for nothing.” Really 
they were right, because the dervish had not prom- 
ised anything to the one who should make two 
rounds, so if they stopped now, it certainly was 
for nothing that they had walked. 

Ali did not like the idea of starting out alone ; 
but after trying in vain to coax some of his com- 
])anions to go with him, he took up his task again. 
His only companion was his dog ; the two previous 
rounds his pet had gone with him, and each time 
they had approached the shade of the cocoa palms 
the dog hurried his pace into a sleepy Arab dog-trot, 
and lapping his fill of the refreshing water, lay down 
on the bank panting. 


74 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


As Ali started off on this, the third round, the 
dog got up very unwillingly and looked up side- 
wise at his young master, as if to say, Why, what 
in the world has got into you, Ali?^^ 

The dog could not see any sense in all this tramp- 
ing. He didn’t know that his young master had 
been promised a pony, or he would have been more 
willing to go with him, you may be sure. Poor 
dog ! If he had been promised a good, fat rat or a 
rabbit it would have cheered him up, but he had no 
such prospect. 

^^As for this tramp, tramp, tramp,” thought the 
dog, it’s all botheration aud nonsense. There is 
no use in it, anyway.” So poor doggy was angry, 
and if he had been a boy or a girl perhaps he would 
have sulked and pouted, as I have known boys and 
girls to do when they had hard lessons to get. 

Ali looked down at his little dog, and seeing the 
forlorn look, the drooping tail, and the hanging 
tongue, was struck with sudden pity. 

Go back, old fellow, go back ! ” said he kindly 
to the dog. There is no use in your coming.” 

The dog stopped, lingered a moment as if he 
thought it a rather mean thing to desert his young 
master, and then turning tail, trotted back. So 
poor Ali was left alone without the company even 
of his dog. 

He felt m,ore lonely now than ever. The dog 


THE MAGIC PONY 


75 


had really been a help to him. The fact is Ali was 
pretty well fagged out, and was half sorry he had 
not stopped too. 

I wonder whether the dervish is fooling me,’’ 
thought he. It would be awful to go over all this 
ground, and then in the end be the laughing-stock 
of the boys.” 

He was hot, so weary, so disgusted, so everything 
that was unhappy ! 

I think,” said he, taking off his fez wearily, 
when I get over to the goal again. I’ll crawl out 
of this scrape as well as I can and take the laugh 
I shall get from the boys. It will be hard to stand, 
but it will be better than going over the whole five 
rounds and then being laughed at. 

Now maybe you think you know how this story is 
going to end, and you are blaming Ali Otho for 
being so weak and waverir^ ; but please remember 
that he was not reading it in a story or listening to 
it ; he was walking it, and a very hot, weary walk 
it was. Besides you have been used to stories end- 
ing all right. This was not a story to Ali, and he 
did not know how this walk was to end. 

As he walked on with the weak resolution to 
give up forming in his mind, the steady thought 
of the pony inspired him anew, so that he finished 
his third round and started again. He was soon to 
meet with some help and to see a vision which for 


7 () EV^ENINGS AT SHADYCEOFT 

the moment startled him, but which put so mueh 
heart into him, that once for all he determined tliat 
he would continue in the race to the end to see 
what was in it, whether he were to be fooled or not. 

The only thing that he had thus far to encourage 
him was the fact that the dervish had remained at 
his post ; but half-way on the fourth round when, 
almost fainting from thirst and weariness, he was 
about to sit down, even in the broiling sun, he saw 
to his great joy and wonder the ruffled waters of a 
little brook that ran sparkling over its pebbly bed 
till it sank into the sand of the plain. 

How lovely ! he exclaimed. How stupid 
in me not to see this before.’’ 

Besides, as he stooped to bathe his throbbing 
wrists and head, he saw growing by the brookside 
a tiny date palm a foot high. Surely that had not 
been there before or he would have seen it, or surely 
he had been very, very blind. 

Well, the sight of the clear, cool waters sliding 
away, and the tiny date palm refreshed him, and 
with greater spirit than before he pushed on over 
the thorny, sunny road to the other end. But he 
was to get even more refreshment and encourage- 
ment — as you will see — on returning to the spot 
where he had seen the brook. What was his amaze- 
ment to find the date palm grown into a mature, 
well-developed tree. 


THE MAGIC PONY 


77 


Now you would have suspected at once that the 
place was bewitched. Whether it were bewitched 
or not, there was a real tree. There was no mis- 
taking that. Ali stared at it in amazement; he 
was dumfounded at this miracle of the plain ! He 
stooped down, however, and bathed his hot, blis- 
tered feet in the cooling water, and lay for a few 
minutes on the grassy, sloping bank to rest him- 
self. 

But time was precious, he must be moving. OfP 
he started full of spirit. He could not help, how- 
ever, as he resumed the journey, turning his head 
once in a while to gaze on the bright, fresh, green 
spot in the midst of the sandy waste. Once as he 
did so he caught sight of the shadowy form of a 
beautiful, white pony. It was distinctly outlined, 
but only for a moment, and then it was gone. 

But it was a pony, as sure as he had ever seen 
anything. He stopped ; his heart went trip, trip, 
trip ! just as yours goes, Lambert, when you have 
made a home run. He held his breath from excite- 
ment. His head was filled with delightful thoughts. 
It buoyed up his spirits and gave swiftness to his 
feet. He felt sure now of getting his pony. So 
with spirits bright and with steps firm and elastic, 
he finished his fourth round. 

The next was to be his last trip. Now just try 
and imagine how he felt, if you can. There was 


78 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


not a sign of the pony anywhere ; the gliost of a 
pony had disappeared ; he saw it no more. Stand- 
ing at the goal as he was about to start on the fifth 
round, were a lot of jeering, hooting boys. 

It’s time the pony was on his way,” sneered one 
of the boys. 

Bring the pony along with you next time, Ali,” 
shouted another, and all the rest joined in a scoffing 
laugh, as they lolled under the shade of the trees or 
dabbled in the cool water. 

Ali Otlio took it all in good nature. He had his 
own little secret. That bright green oasis with its 
blossoming date palm, that vision of the pony, 
were encouragements they never dreamed of. 

The dervish said nothing. He had not opened 
his lips since he had made his promise of the pony. 
The boys had tried to get him to talk, but he was 
speechless. Some of them began to look at him 
with awe and fear ; others tried to be chummy ” 
with him and pretend to know that he was only 
fooling Ali ; but to one and all he was silent as a 
stone jug. 

Oh, what a laugh we’ll have on him when he 
finishes his walk ! ” said one of the boys. Boys, 
we’ll give him a cheer when we see him. We’ll 
have a joke on him for the rest of Ins life. We’ll 
have a good time telling people of Ali’s pony, and 
how he did not get it.” 


THE MAGIC PONY 


79 


It was all right for the boys to have their fun ; it 
was all the fun they were going to get, so they might 
laugh and joke. For the present, they seemed to 
have the best of it, but they ought to have waited 
half an hour. 

Ali plodded on in hope and in fear. What if 
the dervish should be fooling me after all ? said he 
aloud with a quickening pace. ‘^No, he would 
never deceive me in that way.’’ 

But surely the road seemed harder to walk 
than ever before ; it even seemed steep where be- 
fore it had been level. But keep up your heart, 
Ali. Upon reaching the oasis again, he found the 
little brook sending its beauty far and wide, tossing 
its bright waters in mimic waves, and breaking 
over a little fall in pretty confusion in the distance. 
Leaning over its grassy banks was the date palm, 
covered with fruit of rich golden ripeness. He sat 
down, having plucked some of the fruit, and ate as 
he splashed and dabbled his dusty feet in the cool 
water, and he felt a new strength as he set out 
again on his journey. 

Now his fiitigue did not concern him. His blis- 
tered feet had by the magic of the cooling water 
been made well again. His sinewy legs were once 
more strong and agile. It seemed as if he barely 
touched the ground, so light and tripping were his 
footsteps. 


80 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


I have done my duty/’ he reflected, while a 
bright, happy smile lit up his beaming face, and I 
am not going to be deceived.” 

But in spite of himself the thought continued to 
torment him: ^^AVill the dervish be there when I 
finish my journey ? ” And I guess you would have 
been as anxious if you had been he. 

So it was that he plodded on very, very anx- 
iously, and as he drew within sight of the goal he 
could see the crowd of boys gathered together — and 
a little in front of them the still, patient form of 
the dervish. 

Aha ! So far so good ! The dervish had not 
fooled him. 

In fact something in the swarthy face of the der- 
vish had compelled the boys to be silent. The 
most flippant and scoffing had become interested. 
I wish you could have seen them. No laughing or 
jeering of Ali as they had proposed. They were 
awed by the silent gravity of the dervish into rC’ 
spectful quiet and attention ; and if they had ad- 
mitted the truth, many of them were sorry that 
they had not continued. It was too late now how- 
ever. 

Ali had advanced to within fifty yards of the 
dervish. There was the dervish, but where was the 
pony? In all the wide plain not a sign of one 
appeared. Ali’s step lagged from sheer weariness 


THE MAGIC PONY 


81 


and anxiety. Still no pony ! He was within 
twenty yards of the dervish. The cold perspira- 
tion broke out on his forehead and hands — his 
knees trembled — he tottered — his heart was full. 
Was he to fail after all this labor? It certainly 
looked like it. 

He slackened his step more and more as if he 
were almost afraid to take the final step and thus 
conclude the journey. 

A sudden burst of surprise in the face of the 
boys in front of him made him wonder, but he was 
too weary to think much about them. He was 
thinking of his pony, and he could see no pony. 

What is that back of Ali ? ’’ asked one of the 
boys as his black eyes flashed. 

It is something wonderfully like a pony,’’ re- 
plied another with a quick gasp. 

But the end could not longer be put off. Ten 
more paces would bring Ali to the goal. Still no 
pony was in sight. Ali’s heart was ready to burst ; 
his face was haggard with weariness. 

Suddenly his face changed. I am a coward ! ” 
he exclaimed to himself clenching his fist. With 
that sudden clenching of his fist his nervousness 
and weariness were gone, and with a look of confi- 
dence he walked up to the dervish. 

I have accomplished my task,” he said, I 
seek my reward, dervish.” 


82 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


^^Your reward has been following you from the 
beginning/’ said the dervish smiling. ^^Turn thee 
about.” 

Ali turned, and there he saw in real body, not a 
vision of the plain, a beautiful white pony with 
gentle eyes and graceful limbs and sweeping tail 
and mane. 

An exclamation of surprise, of envy, broke from 
the lips of the disappointed boys as they gathered 
around. 

Reward is sure to him who patiently labors,” 
said the dervish, and whirling about he vanished as 
quickly as he had come. 

Aha ! ” said Ali. It’s my turn now. I’ll 
walk no more. See me ride ! ” And mounting his 
beautiful pony, he dashed across the plain and 
whirled, and curled, and checked, and trotted, and 
did everything that a skillful rider could do with a 
skillful pony. 

As Phil finished his story, his cousins were ready 
to applaud, and his uncle, who had been listening 
throughout, said : 

That impresses a good lesson, and in case you 
should not get the meaning of the story, it is just 
this, that the one who strives manfully to conquer 
difficulties, to do every duty imposed, will do it ; 
and that as the stream and the palm with its deli- 


THE MAGIC PONY 


83 


cious fruit were discovered just when Ali wanted 
them most and least expected them, so you too, if 
faithful, will find encouragement and help as you 
labor. 



HE Shadycrofters 
seemed to think that 
all Phil had to do was 
to open his month and out 
won Id pop a story, so they 
scrambled np to the play- 
room after tea as a matter 
of course. Phil seemed as 
ready to tell as they to 
listen ; for they all listened 
now, even the almost incor- 
rigible Teddy. The idea of 
a boy like his Cousin Phil 
telling him a story had at 
first seemed a joke, but he 
had come to wait the even- 
ing story with as much interest 
as Alice, and she was one of the best kind of lis- 
teners. 


^‘Tjast night’s story,” began Phil, ^Avas about the 
snn and summer Iieat. Now ])ut on yonr overcoats, 
84 




EARNING HIS SLED 


85 


beciiiise we arc going to have a story about sleds 
and snow. I shall call it, ^ How Jack Earned his 
Sled.^ 

Jack xVusten wanted a sled, and he wanted it 
very much. Winter was coining, and what healthy 
boy of ten would not want a sled? But how to 
get it was the bother. He had read a good many 
fairy stories — thanks to the school library — and 
the ease with which boys got -their wishes when 
they had the aid of the fairies, was very pleasant to 
read about, but somehow he had never run across 
any of these good fairies. Besides he was so old — 
ten years you know — that he had lost something of 
his belief in them, just as some of you have per- 
haps lost your faith in Kriss Kingle and his coming 
down the sooty chimney. 

At any rate he wanted the sled, and there seemed 
no way for him to get it. A great giant in the 
person of ]ioverty held rule in Jack’s home, and do 
what he and his dear little mother could they were 
barely able to make both ends meet. 

There was meat to buy and bread to buy, and 
there would be more coal needed now that winter 
was at hand. I came near saying that there was 
clothing to buy, but Jack and his mother did not 
buy much clothing ; in that line they had to depend 
pretty much upon what was given them. Now 


86 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


think of this, you comfortable youngsters, Jack 
had never worn a new suit of clothes. 

Sometimes when he and his mother Avere inclined 
to build castles in the air, they would try to make 
up a little sum toward the jnirchase of a seAving 
machine, but some sudden Avant Avas sure to come 
upon them, and the dollars and cents Avould melt 
aAvay like snoAV in the spring sunshine, a good bit 
faster than they came. 

No, there Avas no sled for Jack by the usual 
means. Perhaps you are asking yourseh’es AA'hy he 
did not make one. Well, chiefly because the only 
tool he had Avas a hatchet, Avhose edge Avas so blunt 
and round that it looked as if it Avere made to pre- 
vent its chopping. 

Besides the only AA^ood that he eA^er had in the 
house Avas in stray pieces that AA^ere gathered for 
kindling, and even if that Avould have ansAvered the 
purpose, it Avas too precious in Jack’s household to 
Avaste in sleds. No, he Avas balked at eA^ery point. 

But poor or not poor, he must have that sled. 
No boy in snoAA^-groAAung eountries can do AAnthout 
a sled. A sled he must haA^e. 

That Avas an entirely reasonable desire, AAasn’t it? 
He got his sled, but he did not get it in the Avay he 
expected, and I don’t believe you can guess hoAV 
either. 

He had been lying on his back on the kitchen 


EARNING HIS SLED 


87 


settee looking up at the ceiling, turning over in his 
wishful little mind all sorts of plans for getting that 
sled. Suddenly he jumped up, and saying good- 
night to his mother, although it was only half-past 
seven, he went to bed. He had a plan, and wanted 
to be up early. 

What was his plan? Why, simply this, he 
would call in the aid of the fairy Hard-work.^^ 
Now I have put a fairy into the story, haven’t I? 
and I intended to keep them all out. But this one 
does not stay long, and there isn’t another till you 
get to the end of the story, and I found it impos- 
sible to keep her out. He had often worked before, 
you may be sure, but this time he was going to work 
so hard that he felt he must get and would get his 
sled. His work was to be very simple, simply that 
he would go up to the market next day, Saturday, 
and ^^get jobs.” 

Well, off he started Saturday morning, bright 
and early, or rather I ought to say dark and early, 
for the daylight is pretty slow a-coniing, you know, 
in the winter. He knew exactly how much money 
he needed ; he knew exactly the kind of sled he 
wanted, and the very spot where it was to be 
bought. It was to cost one dollar. He had eyed 
that sled for weeks ; he had set his mind upon that 
particular sled ; no other would suit him, or rather 
he thought so ; and now that he had really started 


88 


evp:nings at shadycroft 


to earn it, he began to be tortured lest .somebody 
else might buy it, and that would be a terrible 
ealaniity, even though he was a big boy of ten. 

Off he started for the market. No sooner had 
he arrived than he was hailed by a gentleman who 
had come to market with a skittish liorse. 

Say, sonny, hold my horse, will you ? 

Ihn your man,’^ said Jack with a chirp, and 
cutting a caper in front of the horse. 

^^Look out,’’ said the man severely; /‘you’ll make 
him run away. Stop that nonsense.” 

“ I’ll not do it again,” said Jack solemnly, 
frightened at the thought of losing the job. “ I’ll 
take good care of him.” 

The man did not know that Jack’s caper was one 
of joy at getting the job so quickly. 

I’m in pretty good luck,” said Jack to himself. 

I wonder how much he’ll give me, a cent or a hve- 
cent piece?” This question was soon settled, for 
back came the owner of the horse. Jack’s eyes 
glistened as he received a bright five-cent piece. 
He feasted his eyes on it for a few moments, but 
business is business. He can’t stand here doing 
nothing looking at what he has, he needs ninety- 
five cents more. He must be after another job. 

He took time however for a hurried glance into 
the window of the toy store. There was the sled, 
safe and sound. Nobody had bought it yet. 


EARNING HIS SEED 


89 


I’ll have you yet, my beauty,” he said, his face 
expanding with its jolliest smile. 

So — without dwelling upon all the ins and outs — 
he earned ten cents by carrying a gripsack, ten cents 
more by taking a heavy basket of marketing home 
for a lady, ten cents for running for a plumber to 
stop a leaking pipe, and he found one cent — oh, that 
was a jolly part of it. 

He then had thirty-six cents. He was standing 
at the corner, all eyes, on the lookout for another 
job, when he saw a man drop a handsome pair of 
seal-skin gloves, without noticing his loss. 

Here are your gloves, sir,” said Jack, stepping 
up politely. 

Why, thank you, my boy. Here’s a quaAer 
for you,” replied the man, putting his hand into his 
pocket. 

^^Oh no, thank you,” exclaimed Jack, as he shrank 
back at the idea of being rewarded for being honest ; 

I won’t take anything for that.” 

By George, you shall take it ! ” said the man, 
forcing the quarter upon Jack. Now he said By 
George,” but of course you will never say it. I am 
simply telling you what he said. It is part of the 
story. 

Well, Jack could not resist. He now had in his 
pocket sixty-one cents ! In perfect joy he jumped 
up into the air and cracked his heels together twice 


90 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


l)efore they touched the ground. Did you ever try 
that ? If you haven^t, try it ; if s pretty hard to 
do. But then it wasif t anything to one so happy 
as Jack was at that moment. 

Turning a corner, he saw a servant putting out a 
barrel of ashes in the top of which was a brass 
kettle, wliich having done its summer preserving, 
was left with a big hole in it, and so it was being 
cast out. 

May I have this kettle ? he asked, pointing 
to it. 

Yes, sure ! ’’ said the girl, and the ashes too if 
you want them.^’ 

“No, thank you; this is enough,’^ said Jack. 
No\v what did he do but take it to a junk dealer 
and sell it for thirty cents? It really was worth 
more, but the dealer, seeing that the boy did not 
know the value of it, was mean enough to take ad- 
vantage of him. Contemptibly mean, wasn’t it ? 
But Jack was satisfied. It brought his treasure up 
to ninety-one cents — only nine cents more ! 

He couldn’t resist the temptation ; he started 
down to the store to get a look at the sled. There 
it was ! Nobody had bought it yet. So off he 
darted again for another job. You know he thought 
his sled depended upon his getting the dollar. But 
you and I know better, although you don’t know 
how yet. 


EARNING HIS SLED 


91 


“ Only nine cents niore/^ he kept repeating to 
himself as he took his money out to count it for the 
twentieth time. Only nine cents more/’ he 
ehuckled. 

Hello ! ” exclaimed he with a sudden start, as he 
droj)ped the last five-cent piece into his cap. 
‘‘How’s that? Only eighty-six cents ! I’ve made 
a mistake. I’ll count it again.” So he counted it 
again, but he had only eighty-six cents. Oh, 
crackie ! He had lost five cents ! He turned his 
pockets inside out, and felt along the lining ; he 
even took off his shoes to see if by any chance the 
nickel had slipped in there. But no ; it was gone ! 

Pretty hard luck, wasn’t it ? Now if I tell you 
snug, comfortable youngsters who are listening to 
this story that poor Jack burst into a flood of bitter 
tears, I hope you won’t think him an unmanly boy. 

Oh, no. Put yourself in his place and see how 
you would feel. He did so want that sled ; surely 
some one would get it before he could earn enough 
to buy it. It was very, very hard. 

“No boy,” thought he, or rather cried he, “ ever 
had such hard luck ! ” 

But he was a sensible boy after all, so when his 
deepest grief was over, up he jumped, wiped the 
tears away with his cap, or his coat sleeve — I don’t 
know which — and was on the lookout for another 
job. A happy chance brought him to a man who 


92 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


wanted a bundle carried. This put ten cents into 
his pocket ; he now had ninety-six cents. 

1 think that I haven’t mentioned it before, but all 
the day, in spite of his intense desire to get that 
dollar, he was never so busy that he could not give 
a cheery word to all the fellows whom he knew ; he 
helped other boys to lift great bundles to their 
shoulders ; he helped others get wheelbarrows over 
the curb ; he gave a boost to a youngster who was 
trying to climb an awning pole ; and he did a dozen 
things that I cannot mention. 

Now J.ack began to get anxious. To be sure he 
needed only four cents, but a miss is as good as a 
mile. Your mother will explain that for you if you 
don’t know what it means. ^ 

I’ll ask the man to give me credit for four 
cents, and I’ll earn it next week and pay him,” said 
he to himself. No, I won’t either ; wouldn’t I 
hear from mother, if I should do a thing like that ? 
But 1 wish I had those four cents.” 

It was now nearly three o’clock and in spite of 
the exercise of the morning, he was cold. He 
wasn’t clothed so well as you are, please remember : 
the wind was keen and nipping; his nose was a de- 
cided blue — a good bit bluer in fact than the sky. 
That was becoming a decided gray, and a gray sky 
shows the coming of snow. So that was a special 
reason why he should have that sled. 


EARNING HIS SLED 


93 


I do wish I could get those four cents/’ he 
sighed, as he looked around in every quarter. 

Just then across the street he saw a feeble old 
woman struggling under the weight of a heavy 
basket. There’s a job,” he said quietly, as he 
bounded after her. But he stopped in a minute. 

No, it isn’t. She is as poor as I am. She can’t 
pay me for carrying her basket.” Then he turned 
back again. 

But he wasn’t satisfied ; he pitied the old lady. 
I don’t know that she was particularly pleasant- 
looking either ; in fact, I am afraid she might be 
called cross-looking ; but then she had probably had 
rheumatism and neuralgia and a dozen aches and 
pains that you don’t know anything about. 

I’ll give her a lift,” said Jack wdth a touch of 
kindness in his heart. No, I won’t either. I’d 
like to, but I might miss a chance to get those four 
cents, and then I’d be badly left.” 

You must remember that he was thinking all this 
time that he was going to get his sled by earning 
that dollar. You remember I told you, however, 
that he did get a sled, but he did not get it in the 
way he expected. But then he did not know of any 
way, except to buy it. For the matter of that, I 
don’t believe you can guess how he got it. Can 
you ! Try it ; see whether any of you can guess 
how he got it. 


94 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


141 carry it a square for her/’ he said again to 
himself, walking slowly behind her. And so he 
kept debating the matter for some minutes. 

Bosh ! ” he said suddenly. I might have car- 
ried it home for her in the time I’m thinking about 
it. Sled or no sled, I’ll help the old lady.” 

So up he went. May I carry your basket for 
you, lady ? ” 

No, I don’t want your help. Go about your 
business,” she replied as she shifted the basket 
wearily to the other arm. 

You see she was cross, as I told you she looked. 

Well, of course, that was not a very pleasant re- 
ply, and many a well-disposed boy would have gone 
off thinking he had done his duty. But Jack was 
not so easily offended. 

But do let me help you,” he urged. I’m a 
big strong boy ; I’d like to if you’ll let me.” 

There was something in the invitation that struck 
the old lady kindly. The basket was heavy and her 
poor old limbs were tired, but she eyed him sus- 
piciously. There was a merry twinkle in his eyes, 
which she took for mischief. Boys sometimes do 
get into mischief, you know. 

You don’t intend to play a trick on me, do 
you ? ” she asked sharply. 

Trick ! Oh, no,” said Jack laughing. 

Well, then, take care,” she said as she gave him 


EARNING HIS SLED 


95 


the basket. There are a half-dozen eggs in there. 
Don’t break them.” 

So they proceeded, Jack carrying the basket as 
carefully as he would carry a baby. The old lady 
all the while was eying him curiously. The fact 
is, the idea of a boy asking permission to help her 
was altogether new. It surprised her. She had 
never heard of the like before ! If she had not 
believed that he intended some trick after all, she 
would have been pleased and happy. 

You might try the same thing yourself sometime; 
that is, instead of waiting to be told or asked to do 
a thing, do it or offer to do it without waiting to be 
told. See how happy you’ll be. 

They had gone down the street slowly — oh so 
slowly ! — on account of the old lady’s feeble steps, 
and Jack, it must be confessed, could not help 
thinking once in a while that he was something of 
a jay for doing such a thing. Time was passing ; 
it was growing late ; the sky was darker and looked 
more like snow. Somebody might go to the store 
and buy that sled ; he was in an awful fix. 

Well,” he sighed, as the old lady walked on. 
I’ll have to give up the sled for this day,” and his 
heart was very heavy. His only hope was that 
nobody would buy it, and then next week he could 
easily earn the four cents. I guess I’ll put the 
basket down at the end of this block. No, I won’t. 


96 


EVENINGS AT SIIADYCROFT 


either. I’ll see her home with it. But I wonder 
where in the world she lives. Gee whiz ! this 
basket’s heavy ! She never could have carried it 
here. I’m glad I’m able to help her.” 

And then his bright, manly, cheerful countenance 
cleared, and kept clear till looking up at the gray 
sky, he felt upon the tip of his nose a cold, wet 
snowflake. It had begun to snow. With a dread- 
ful slump his heart sank down to his boots. 

Just then the old lady stopped. ‘^Here is where 
I live,” she said ; come in, sonny.” 

Oh no, thank you,” said Jack, out of breath ; 
^^oh no, I must hurry off.” 

But you must come in. I want you to warm 
yourself. Besides, I have a nice piece of soft gin- 
gerbread for you.” 

Now Jack was nearly faint from hunger. In 
his eagerness to get the dollar he had not gotten 
his dinner. A market woman had given him an 
apple, but that was all he had tasted since six 
o’clock, when he started out. 

The mention of the gingerbread made him hun- 
gry at once, and gingerbread, instead of sled, got 
possession of his mind. 

Seating him near the stove, the old lady hobbled 
to the cupboard, and, taking a big loaf of ginger- 
bread, she cut him two huge strips, not dainty little 
slices just big enough to give you a taste and then 


EARNING HIS SLED 


97 


torment you, but pieces such as a big hearty boy 
with a good appetite would have called big. Then 
a cup of warm milk, and Jack was in bliss. Oh, 
how delicious ! The sled was nowhere in sight. 

Another piece ? the old lady actually smiled 
as she asked him. 

Yes, please, if I’m not robbing you.’’ 

No, he was not robbing her. She was glad to 
see him eat. It was snowing gingerbread now ; 
Jack was so happy. The sled was forgotten. But 
finishing the gingerbread, there did not seem to be 
anything else to do, so rising, he said : 

A^ou are very kind. I thank you very much. 
I must be going now.” 

Why are you in such a hurry ? ” 

I’m trying to earn some money.” 

Money ! For what ? ’’ 

For a sled.” 

How much does it cost ? ” 

A dollar.” 

How much have you ? ” 

Ninety-six cents.” 

W ell, sonny,” said the old lady, her eye bright- 
ening, will you go into the other room for a few 
minutes ? ” 

Jack went as he was bidden and the old lady 
closed the door after him ; then he wondered and 
listened as he heard lier feeble steps descending the 

G 


98 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


cellar steps ; then there was the sound of pushing 
and shoving as in a lumber pile, and in fact of tum- 
bling things around generally ; then the feeble old 
lady ascended slowly and painfully. She was cer- 
tainly carrying something heavy up the stairs. 

Jack opened the door and said kindly, May I 
carry anything up for you ? ’’ 

Go ^vay and shut the door,’^ snapped the old 
lady angrily. 

Jack closed the door quicker than he had opened 
it, I tell you. 

Then there was the sound of running water, of 
swishing and whishing, as if something were being 
washed. Jack was all wonderment. He did not 
understand this part of the programme at all. He 
understood the gingerbread and milk, — that was 
plain enough, — but the washing business he could 
not understand. Besides, the snow, as he saw on 
looking out of the window, was falling thick and 
fast ; surely some one would buy the sled now. 
His heart was away down to his boots. He kept 
wishing that he might be allowed to go. The fact 
is, the old lady was so long that he had just deter- 
mined to slip out of the door without waiting for 
her. If he had done that he would have made a 
big mistake, I tell you. 

^^Now,’’ said the' old lady, opening the door, 
you may come in.’’ 


EARNING HIS SLED 


99 


Jack came in, and he entered fairyland sure 
enough, for there before him was a beantifnl sled 
all bright in blue and red, with long, light runners 
that curved up in front and ended in swans’ heads. 
I know you’ve seen the kind I mean. And across 
the top of the sled was the word Dart ” in gilt 
letters. Jack’s eyes glittered, and his mouth watered 
more than over the gingerbread. 

That is my sled,” said the old lady. 

Yours?” asked Jack, looking at the bent form 
of the old lady and thinking she must be joking. 

Yes, mine. Do you think it’s pretty?” 

I never saw one half so pretty,” replied Jack. 

Well,” continued the old lady, the sled was 
left me by my little grandson, who now lives in 
Florida, and who of' course does not have snow 
enough there to make it of any use to him. It is 

mine to give to anybody I choose, and ” 

Here she hesitated, stopped for a moment, and 
looked at him. His eyes filled with a watery mist, 
and his heart jumped and thumped at a dreadful 
pace. Of course the thought flashed into his mind 
that the old lady was going to give the sled to him, 
but he dared not hope for such good luck. 

When the old lady had tantalized him enough, 
she turned to him, and smiling, looked him square 
in the face, saying : 

^^And I choose to give it to you !” 


100 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Talk of fairies — here was one sure enough. You 
remember I said in the beginning there was another 
fairy in the story, and here she is, the old lady. 
Thank her ! Well, he really forgot that till he was 
about to go away. The fact is, he did not know 
what to say. He could not speak. So, after look- 
ing fondly at the sled, and then at the bright, happy 
face of his dear old lady benefactor, he said awk- 
wardly : 

I — I — I — I think I must be going now ; good- 
bye. Thank you, oh, ever so much ! 

Good-bye ; you’re a good, kind boy,” replied 
the old lady. Here, take this five-cent piece.” 

^^Oh, no!” 

Oh, yes ! You sha’n’t have the sled unless you 

do.” 

That settled it. He didn’t wish to give up the 
sled for the matter of taking five cents. Then he 
was off, but in a second he stopped and ran back to 
where the old lady Avas standing, looking after him, 
her face all smiles. 

May I give you a ride on the sled ? ” he said 
kindly. 

Me ? Oh, no ! ” And the old lady gave a 
funny crackling laugh, as if she Avas very happy. 

Hip ! hip ! ” shouted Jack, his face fairly agloAV. 

Oh, Avhat a beauty I ” 

Whether he meant the sled or the old lady I 


EARNING HIS SLED 


101 


never found out, but you may apply the words to 
either one. Talk of lightning going fast, you ought 
to have seen him flying down the street ! 

Now that he has the sled, I won’t bother you 
long over the rest of the story. 

I have a dollar and one cent,” thought Jack. 

So he darted away to a candy .store and bought a 
cent’s wortli of caramels, four of them, put two into 
his mouth and the other two into his pocket for his 
mother ; dashed home ; gave his mother the dollar 
he had earned ; showed her the sled ; almost stupe- 
fied her with his wandering account of the old lady ; 
nearly choked on his caramels ; ate a hearty supper 
of Irish stew ; went out and had a few happy turns 
around the square on his sled ; and tlien, half crazy 
with joy, went to bed, where the whole night through 
he dreamed of grips and gloves and baskets and 
brass kettles, of driving snow, and of his gorgeous 
sled, around which danced the glorified figure of his 
dear old lady. 

Now,” said Phil, I must really give this story 
a moral, and it is this : No matter how busy you 
may be with your own concerns, take time to do a 
kind turn for others.” 

^^Say, Phil, I don’t think we’ve mentioned it,” 
said Teddy, Avith a long, sleepy yawn, but we’re 
very much obliged to you for telling us these stories. 


102 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


I never thought you were of so much accouut, hut 
yoif ve got a big head ; yoif re a dandy/’ 

^^All right, old man/’ said Phil, laughing at 
Teddy’s compliment ; you’re welcome, I’m sure. 
Good-night.” 




DON^T know/^ said Phil, as 
he took up his evening task, 
whether any one of you has 
ever had as much as fifty dol- 
lars together at one time ; but 
if you have not. I’ll warrant 
you’ve wished you had ; you 
have made plans as to how 
you would spend it ; and I warrant 
that every one of these plans had for its 
object some pleasure for yourself.” 

Why, of course they have,” said Lambert, 
opening his eyes in wonder. What should we 
want with money if it was not for ourselves ? ” 

103 


104 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


I smell a moral in that story/’ said Teddy, 
kicking his heels together. 

Well/’ said Phil, it’s natural enough, I sup- 
pose, for a boy to think that his greatest pleasure 
depends upon getting and keeping as miieh as he 
can for himself ; but it isn’t a bad idea for a sen- 
sible boy to think once in a while of how much 
pleasure he gets from sharing what he has with 
others.” 

Come on,” said Teddy, let’s have the story. 
I’m anxious to know how I can get more pleasure 
out of fifty dollars by sharing it with somebody 
than I can by keeping it for myself.” 

^^Well, listen,” said Phil, ^^to the story of 
‘ Harry’s Fifty-dollar Bill.’ ” 

Harry had dropped into his fathePs banking 
office, where he saw lying on a table a pile of notes 
that amounted to thousands of dollars. 

Now if you had been there I fancy you would 
have become as wishful as Harry, for as he watched 
his father arrange the bills, not one of which was 
less than fifty dollars, he burst out : 

Father, I wish that money were mine.” 

His father did not tell him it was wrong to covet 
anothePs goods, but smiled and said: ^^Well, if it 
should bring you no more pleasure than this will 
bring its owner, yon need not wish for it.” 


HARRY^S FIFTY-DORLAR BILL 


105 


Why, how is that, father ? ” Harry asked. 

Well, my boy, this money belongs to a gentle- 
man who is so rich that he cannot by the usual 
means spend what he has in a lifetime, and yet he 
will not give a penny of it away. He is very rich, 
but because he will not share what he has with 
other people he is very miserable. It is a great 
truth, that what we share with others gives us more 
pleasure than what we keep for ourselves. A gen- 
erous person could never endure the consequences of 
being unable to share what he has with others.^^ 
Harry couldn’t see it, so he said : Anyhow, 1 
think I could be happy to use a fifty-dollar bill 
without sharing it with anybody.” His father 
sighed as he looked over at Harry, but he said 
nothing, and so the matter ended. 

But that night those piles of money, and what he 
would do with them if he had them, kept Harry 
busy building air-castles till, as he lay down to sleep, 
his mind was in a whirl, which was as much fairy- 
land or dreamland as it was reality. Thoughts of 
the money kept trooping into his brain until he 
abandoned all idea of going to sleep, and gave him- 
self up to the fascinating thoughts of what he would 
do if only he had a fifty-dollar bill. 

Now it is not at all surprising if into the midst of 
these bright thoughts his father should come in and 
say : 


1 


106 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Harry, I have been thinking of what yon said 
to-day, and Idl tell you what Idl do : 1^11 give you 
a fifty-dollar bill if you will promise me that you 
will not give a penny of it to any one else, or share 
with any one anything you buy with it.^^ 

That’s a bargain,” said Harry, his eyes flashing. 

Now just imagine Harry’s delight as he received 
a brand new fifty-dollar bill from his father. How 
would you feel if it were you and your father? 
^^Well,” thought he, ^Hhis is the finest bargain I 
ever struck.” 

But I tell you he got himself into an awful fix. 
Maybe you don’t think so ; but just wait and see 
whether he won’t be sorry that he ever made such 
a bargain. 

He folded the bill up and put it away in his in- 
side pocket. He was the happiest boy in existence. 
His fifty dollars would buy him a bicycle, a ball, 
a bat, a glove, and a dozen other things. So much 
for his plans. 

But hold on awhile. Maybe the bat and his 
bike ” won’t please him so much after all. 

Spring was well advanced ; it was the first of 
May in fact, and everything was inviting to outdoor 
sport ; baseball was in the air, and all the boys 
had caught the fever, just as you catch it every 
spring. 

He must have a bat; he could use that himself 


HARRY^S FIFTY-DOLLAR BILT. 


107 


without sharing it. He wanted the handsomest he 
could find, the lightest, finest-grained, the trimmest. 
He found such a one, and it proved to be the envy 
of all the boys. They all felt it, admired it, and 
praised his good luck. 

Now it so happened that his school had chal- 
lenged the boys of Greenfield Academy for a game 
to be played Saturday afternoon. The boys were 
all excitement. Harry’s school had never met a 
team so strong before, and they were very anxious 
as to the result. Well, things began favorably for 
Harry’s team and continued so for a while, until in 
the fifth inning, just as the batter of the home team 
struck a whizzing ball, his bat split. The ball be- 
ing a foul, he did not run to first base, but turning 
quickly to Harry, he shouted : 

Harry, lend me your bat ; mine’s split. Quick.” 

But Harry, before the boy spoke, half guessing 
what would be asked, had turned away. His prom- 
ise not to share anything he bought Avith his fifty- 
dollar bill Avould not allow him to lend the bat. 

Thinking Harry had not heard, the boy called 
again : Harry, lend me your bat, won’t you ? ” 

I can’t,” said Harry in a low tone. 

Can’t ! Well, I never saw anything so mean.” 

Hiss ! ” said three or four others. 

Here, I’ll lend you mine,” said a felloAV on the 
rival team. 


108 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


How Harry hated his bat and his fifty-dollar bill ! 
and when a boy does not respect himself, he can- 
not expect others to respect him, you may be sure. 
He was disgraced even in his own eyes. 

The batter went to his position thoroughly rattled 
with auger. He struck wildly and was put out at 
first base. 

It was Harry’s turn now ; his fine bat swung for 
a moment in the sunshine ; then a quick, strong 
stroke sent the ball far out to. the left field ; every- 
body was anxious for a few moments till the ball 
descending was caught, and Harry was out ! 

Served yon right,” sneered one of his team. 

To make a long story short, the home team was 
beaten out of sight. It was not a close shave ; it 
was an out-and-out defeat. 

Eeturning home after their defeat, they were not 
in very good humor you may be sure. It was not 
very long before they were pitching into Harry as 
the cause of all their trouble. Big boy as he was, 
Harry could hardly keep from crying with vexa- 
tion, and tlie trouble of it was that he could not 
explain why he had refused the bat. 

He got home hot, tired, and unhappy. He was 
interested that his side should win as much as any 
fellow on the team, and to feel that he could not 
help on to victory was dreadful. He had already 
had enough of his bat and his fifty-dollar bill to 


HARRY^S FIFTY-DOLLAR BILL 109 

make him hate them both. But that was not the 
end of his unhappiness. 

The baseball incident became partly forgotten, or 
rather he had been trying to forget it, and to make 
up his mind which of the various kinds of bicycles 
he would buy. That’s a hard thing to do when 
there are so many kinds. 

At last he settled the matter and otf he went to 
town. He bought a beauty of a bike ” and re- 
turned home full of glee. It would arrive in the 
afternoon. 

He waited very anxiously and impatiently. A 
little relief came when his most intimate friend 
asked him to go and take some ice cream. That 
wasn’t a bad way of killing time. So off they started, 
and little did he think that he would be sorry he 
ever tasted it. 

They had finished and were returning when 
Harry spied his bicycle being unloaded from the 
express wagon. His friend and he dashed toward 
it and it was not many minutes before he was roll- 
ing over the smooth asphalt in perfect enjoyment. 
He rode up and down ; he dismounted and looked 
it over ; he pointed out its beauties to his friend ; 
its pneumatic tire, its ball-bearings, its patent brake, 
its lantern, its handles — everything it had in fact. 
Then he mounted and rode and rode again, but he 
began to grow uncomfortable ; the thought kept 


110 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


stealing into his mind that he ought to ask his 
friend to take a ride. But how was he to do that? 
His promise to his father kept him from it, so he 
was in a miserable fix. Then too, there was the 
thought of his friend’s treat. It seemed so mean 
of him not to offer his friend a ride that he wished 
he hadn’t touched the ice cream. He almost wished 
his bicycle at the bottom of the sea ; it had already 
lost its charm. 

But his friend could bear it no longer, so he 
blurted out : Say, Harry, give a fellow a turn, 
won’t you ? ” 

Oh, how Harry hated himself as he said : I 
can’t, Jim. I’d like to, but I can’t.” 

Can’t! Why?” 

^^Well, I can’t.” Being unable to explain, he 
dashed away. 

His friend did not know what to make of it. 

What’s got into him?” he thought. Well, if he 
doesn’t want to let a fellow have a ride. I’ll not 
bother him again. I’m sorry I spent my ten cents 
on him.” 

That was spiteful, of course, but that is what he 
said, and I am only telling you the story as it hap- 
pened. 

Harry took some pleasure out of his bicycle after 
that, but he had to steal away when there was no 
chance of his being asked for a ride by any of his 


HARRY'S FIFTY-DOLLAR BILL 


111 


companions. He couldn’t stand the invitation to 
lend the bike ” ; it broke him all up ; what is 
more, he would have liked to lend it for the pleas- 
ure it would have given him, but he could not ; so 
that in the end his bicycle from which he had 
hoped so much became a real nuisance to him. 

His fifty-dollar bill had not given him much 
pleasure yet, had it ? Maybe it won’t be so bad 
after a while. We will go on and see. 

His mother’s birthday was coming, and full of 
interest, Harry entered into the plan of a surprise 
to her. One plan after another was discussed, until 
after much labor they settled upon a gift of a big 
wicker rocking-chair. 

Just the thing ! ” they all agreed. But the 
cost — what about that? It was four dollars and 
fifty cents ! 

Oh, that isn’t much ; I’ll give two dollars out 
of my bank,” said his little brother. 

^^And I’ll give the same,” said his sister, equally 
generous. 

Harry could have dropped through the floor ; he ' 
felt as if he had been struck. How could he refuse 
to give a little toward his mother’s birthday gift? 
Yet on the other hand, how could he give anything 
as long as his father’s condition stood in the way ? 

Just then he saw his father passing out. Oh, 
father ! ” he called, dashing after him. May I not 


112 


EVENINGS AT SIIADYCROFT 


give some of my money toward mother’s birthday 
gift ? ” 

His father looked as unhappy as Harry himself, 
and his eyes filled with tears as he gave his boy’s 
hand a squeeze, but he said simply, Remember 
your promise, my boy.” 

You must not think his father was mean or se- 
vere. He was only trying to teach Harry a lesson. 
Harry’s father was not the sort of man to be called 
mean or unkind, oh, no ! 

Harry, feeling utterly unhappy, dashed away to 
his room where, throwing himself into a chair, he 
began to cry violently. 

Say, brother,” said his sister, who had not un- 
derstood why he left the room so suddenly, will 
you give the fifty cents that we want for mother’s 
chair ? ” 

^^No, I won’t; go ’way,” said he angrily. 

Oh, brother ! and mother’s birthday gift ! ” said 
his sister, her eyes opening wonderingly. 

Go ’way, I tell you ! ” shouted Harry still more 
angrily. 

She went away of course after such a broad hint 
as that ; but she and her brother must have man- 
aged it themselves somehow before their father left 
for town, for as Harry was returning from school in 
the afternoon, he saw a chair just such as they had 
described being carried into the house of a neigh- 

O o 


Harry’s fifty-dollar bill 


113 


bor, where his father had ordered it to be taken, so 
as to prevent their mother from knowing anything 
of its arrival until the proper time. 

The next day was the mother’s birthday. At 
breakfast she was very happy and so were the chil- 
dren, all but Harry. Their eyes were dancing with 
glee. Wishing mother many happy returns was 
simple enough and pleasant enough, but there was 
something better than that ; something which they 
were going to give her. At the proper time the 
servant brought in the chair and took it to Mrs. 
Ashton. She looked at it in surprise and then at 
the card that was tied to it : To our dear mother. 
Many happy returns.” 

^^You thoughtful darlings!” said their mother, 
as she jumped up and began to kiss them over and 
over again, but Harry broke away from her em- 
brace. 

^‘1 did not help to buy it,” he muttered, and 
sobbed as he ran off, I couldn’t.” 

In utter misery he hurried away ; his mother 
sought him out, however, and tried to soothe him, 
but he would not be comforted ; he was bitter and 
angry at his inability to help. 

^^She will hate me, I know she will,” he ex- 
claimed after his mother had left. So for a long 
time he sobbed and moaned and wished lie had never 
seen the fifty-dollar bill. 

H 


114 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


He tried to quiet himself after a while however, 
and looking out into the street to see whether any of 
his friends were .near, and seeing none, he thought 
he would take a spin on hisAvheel. 

But his misery was suddenly increased ; at a dis- 
tance he saw his nearest friend and a companion 
passing along with fishing rods. So intent were 
they that although they saw him, they barely turned 
their heads his way. Harry felt the slight deeply ; 
he had not been asked to go with them and fishing 
was his delight. 

I don’t blame them anyhow,” said he gloomily. 

It’s my fault and the fault of that wretched fifty- 
dollar bill.” 

He rode on and rounding a corner, met an- 
other boy, the one to whom he had refused the loan 
of his bat. There was no danger of his asking a 
ride on the ^^bike,” but he took time to speak to 
Harry if the others did not. 

Hello, stingy ! ” 

That was all, but the words did their work. 
Harry made no reply but bore the harder on the 
treadle of his bicycle and grew gloomier and an- 
grier every moment. 

Going on he saw a number of boys assembling 
with balls and bats as if for a game. He recog- 
nized them as the fellows of his school team ; when 
he had realized that a game was afoot and that he 


HARRY S FIPTY-DOI.LAR BILL 


115 


had been left out in the cold, he wheeled around and 
returned home in bitter anger and disgust. 

Oh, how I wish I had never taken that fifty- 
dollar bill! I hate it! Father was right; it is 
what we share that brings us the greatest happiness. 
Oh, I am so miserable ! What shall I do ? What 
shall I do? 

I wonder what makes the child so restless. I 
fear he is feverish ; he has been crying and talking 
all night,’^ he heard a voice saying, the voice of his 
mother as she shook him by the shoulder. 

He started up. Why ! why, where am I ? 

In bed, little man, what ails you ? 

Oh, it’s all a dream; I am so glad!” As he 
turned on his side he reached out his arms and 
gave his mother such a hug as he had never given 
her before. So it was all a dream. The next 
morning on getting up he found that he was on 
good terms with all the fellows, that there had been 
no game of ball during the night, that he had not 
refused the loan of a bat, that he hadn’t a bicycle, 
that he hadn’t any fifty-dollar bill — but he was so 
happy. He was happier than when he thought he 
had the bill. Besides, he had learned a lesson in 
his sleep, and that is just this, that what we share 
with others gives us as much pleasure, or more, than 
what we keep selfishly to ourselves. Yes, he had 
learned a lesson, and I hope you have too. 


116 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Goodness/^ said Alice, I am glad it was all a 
dream ; I felt so sorry for the boy.’^ 

Hello, Teddy, you wanted to know how a boy 
could be happier by sharing a fifty-dollar bill than 
by keeping it himself. Do you see now ? 

Oh, that was all a dream,^’ said the never-to- 
be-satisfied Teddy. But the moraPs pretty good. 
Alice, you may use my slate and pencil to-morrow 
if you wish ; Ihn sorry I didn’t lend it to you to- 
day.” 

Phew ! Half-past nine,” said Lambert. It’s 
lucky mother knows where we are. Good-night, 
Phil.” 



N the next night 
a})})ointed for a 
story there was 
company at Sha- 
dy croft for tea. 
The meal was so 
long, there was so 
much to eat and 
everybody had 
such a good appe- 
tite, there was so 
much to talk 
about and every- 
body was so slow in doing everything, that Teddy 
began to get anxious lest bedtime should arrive 
before they could get to the story. But when at 
last there was nothing left to do but to get up from 
the table, the young Shadycrofters skipped up to the 
playroom in a hurry. 

Give us a short one to-night, Phil,’’ said Teddy, 
or we will be interrni)ted in the midst of it.” 


117 


118 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCEOFT 


All right ; I have been saving up a short one for 
some time” said Phil ; so here^s the story of ^ The 
Penny and the Picnic/ ” 

Ben and a number of his schoolfellows had de- 
cided on a September picnic. Now if you have 
never tried a September picnic, try one. Most of 
you have your picnics in June. Try one in Sep- 
tember instead. Or rather, if you have your picnic 
in June, try one in September also ; two picnics are 
better than one, any day — I mean, any summer. 

To these city fellows a picnic at any time was a 
gay aifair. Such preparations and such arrange- 
ments for the day ! Two rival ball teams were to 
])lay a game, and there were to be potato races and 
hurdle races and three-legged races, and the whole 
crew of races. It was to be a grand affair. 

As the day approached the picnic fever grew in- 
tense ; every dark cloud was watched, and when, a 
few days before the picnic, the skies thickened and 
threatened rain they congratulated themselves — that 
is the boys of course, not the clouds — that all the 
rain would be over before the eighteenth, the day 
appointed. 

The day before was a high fever of jollity ; les- 
sons were neglected for the more important matter 
of arranging who was to be first base, who fielders, 
and who pitcher of the team. 


THE PENNY AND THE PICNIC 


119 


All was fixed at last, and as the boys separated in 
the afternoon it was with bright skies and fair pros- 
pects. 

Those who had caught a glimpse of the prepara- 
tions of their elders were particularly happy. Such 
rich golden bananas, such piles of rolls and ham 
sandwiches and cakes and pies, had certainly never 
been gathered together in one place before. 

Of course the picnics yon have gone to have 
been just as jolly, and the bananas and the rest of 
the goodies just as good and just as delicious, only 
these youngsters thought theirs the best ; that is only 
natural yon know. 

They were to assemble at the station and go to 
Sportville, where wagons were to take them to the 
picnic grounds. None of the boys had ever been 
there, but the place was said to have a fine field for 
ball, a fine wood, a fine lake ; it was just a tiptop 
place for the sports of the day. 

The day dawned crisp and beautiful. Ben was 
up with the lark — as grown people say — though for 
the matter of that I donT believe there was a lark 
within a hundred miles of his home. He was up 
very early anyhow, and long before the rest of the 
family were stirring. 

How slow they are ! ” thought Ben. So he 
fretted and fumed at the long, trying delay, but he 
got his breakfast about seven o’clock and was off. 


120 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


I have forgotten to tell you until this moment, that 
his mother was not going. 

He was in jolly good spirits. He was all ready 
for the fun of the day. The day itself was just 
right and he was in good trim. 

So he went up the street at a brisk pace, but he 
had not gone far when he saw ahead of him a little 
fellow of not quite his own age, crying bitterly. 

Hello, what’s up ? ” said Ben in a cheery tone, 
for he was in jolly good humor, you know. 

I was going for a pint of milk and I fell and 
lost my money,” sobbed the boy, as he tried to stop 
the bleeding of a finger which he had bruised in his 
fall. 

Now this little fellow hadn’t always been a pleas- 
ant neighbor to Ben ; he blamed Ben once for break- 
ing a pane of glass when he had in reality done it 
himself. Ben’s natural feeling therefore, was not 
of the kindest ; so his first impulse was to hurry on 
toward the station. But the boy’s pitiful face 
stopped him. Ben remembered that the poor little 
wretch was the son of drunken, brutal parents and 
when he sobbed out, Mother will lick me if I 
don’t find them,” Ben’s heart was softened. 

So turning back as lightly as a breeze he said : 

Come on, then. I am in a big hurry, but I’ll give 
you a lift. Where did you drop them? Tell me 
exactly.” 


THE PENNY AND THE PICNIC 


121 


Here/^ said the boy pointing to a corner, filled 
with September leaves. 

When Ben saw the pile of leaves, the stones, the 
scraps, the rubbish, he said to himself : I hope we 
are lucky enough to find them ; that’s all.” 

Now, don’t yon think Ben was a pretty good fel- 
low to stop for this little liar to help him find the 
pennies? But that is just the sort of fellow Ben 
was. 

They scattered the leaves right and left but no 
penny appeared ; time was passing, and time was 
precious. Ben looked at his Waterbury and com- 
forted himself by saying, I’ll make up for lost 
time by running all the rest of the way,” but he 
was anxious all the ^ same; and you bet he didn’t 
wish to miss that picnic. Besides, the boy was noth- 
ing to him, that Ben should lose a picnic on his ac- 
count. After looking awhile longer, so long in fact 
that he would have to run at a spanking pace in 
order to catch the train, Ben said : 

I have to go now. I’m sorry, but I guess the 
pennies are gone.” 

Oh, please don’t leave me ! Please help me find 
them ; I’ll get an awful lickin’ if I don’t find 
them.” 

Ben felt like saying, Well, I can’t help it any- 
how ; it’s none of my business ” ; but the sight of 
the boy’s woebegone face and deep fear aroused him 


122 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


again. The idea of a lickiif from such a 
drunken father as this poor boy had, was more than 
Ben could stand. Besides, one lesson that his 
mother had fixed in his mind was that everybody 
had a claim upon him, that it was his business to 
help another fellow whenever and wherever he 
could. 

^^Well, come on then; wedl try it again,’’ said 
Ben, in a rather bad humor perhaps. 

Now don’t be too hard on Ben. Maybe you 
would be in a bad humor too if you were he. A 
moment after the search was renewed Ben shouted 
out in glee, 

I’ve found one ! ” 

Bully ! and I’ve found another,” said the boy. 

This was encouraging ; they might find the third, 
and Ben might still make the train. Of course 
the third could not be far off, so they went at it 
with a will ; they felt as if they must get it. Ben’s 
eyes were looking out as sharp as needles while his 
companion’s face was all aglow with pleasure. He 
would not get that lickin’ ” if he succeeded in 
finding the pennies. 

^^Say, Ben, you’re a brick. I am sorry I told 
that lie on you about the pane of glass.” 

Oh, well, never mind that now,” said Ben ; 
^^use your eyes to find that other penny.” Ben 
meant business. 


THE PENNY AND THE PICNIC 


123 


Meantime the minutes were flying, and it was 
getting dangerously near train time. Still the third 
penny refused to be found. 

That was really provoking, wasn’t it? You 
might suppose it was hiding on purpose. 

For a few minutes longer they looked as keenly 
as eyes ever looked, when Ben at last saw its red, 
copper face shining just under the edge of a loose 
paving stone. 

There it is ! ” he shouted, pointing it out to the 
other boy ; and without waiting for any thanks he 
dashed away and was soon at the station. 

Has the train gone ? ” he asked breathlessly of 
one of the gate keepers. 

What train ? ” asked the man smiling. 

The picnic train for Sportville.” 

Oh, yes, sonny ; you’re late. There it goes 
now,” said he with a grin, as he pointed to the end 
of the station where a train was just pulling out. 

Almost choking with anger and grief Ben turned 
away. 

I’ve missed it just for the sake of that lying 
little beggar,” said he. wish I had minded my 
own business and left him to mind his.” 

Still he could not give up the idea of going to 
the picnic ; that was too awful to think of. He 
thought of taking the next train to Sportville, but 
there was no use in that because the ground where 


124 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


the picnic was held was a long way off from the 
place where the train would land them. No, he 
was completely left. That was the long and the 
short of it. So with just such bitter, angry thoughts 
as most boys would have had under the circum- 
stances, Ben walked home. 

If he had thought it would be manly he would 
have cried — and what a flood there would have 
been then. But he would not do that ; so he took 
it out in angry muttering, in rapid walking, and in 
kicking savagely at every stick and stone that came 
in the way. 

As he passed the spot where the pennies had been 
lost, he thought so bitterly of the picnic that he 
had lost, that it was no wonder he worked himself 
into a high temper, and was mean enough to give 
his little dog, which came toward him wagging its 
tail with pleasure, a kick that sent it away yelping. 
That was thoroughly mean of course. But he was 
angry, and had completely forgotten himself ; you 
see people ought not to get so mad as to do mean 
things like that. The fact is, he was not himself. 

^‘1 hate him,’^ said he to himself, meaning the 
little fellow whom he had helped. 

But a few words from his mother showed him 
that his anger was not the thing, that it was hardly 
right after having of his own free will helped the 
boy, to be angry with himself or the boy either. 


THE PENNY AND THE PICNIC 


125 


W ell, then, it doesn’t pay to be so kind,” said 
Ben hotly. ^^I’ll look out for number one next 
time, see if I don’t.’’ 

You may think this is all very unlike a boy who 
was always willing to help another out of a scrape. 
Well, you are right, but Ben is not Ben at present; 
he is angry and unreasonable. I didn’t say that he 
never got mad ; but it wasn’t his nature to stay 
mad. So after a while he saw the meanness of it ; 
and, although he couldn’t entirely shake off the 
gloom of his disappointment, he was no longer 
angry. 

Toward noon, taking a stroll, he met the urchin 
whom he had befriended. Something of anger re- 
turned, but he put it down at once, and he spoke to 
the boy even pleasantly ; he did not know that in a 
moment all shadow of anger would be gone and 
only pity remain. 

^^Say, Ben, you’re an awful good fellow. You 
saved me from the worst sort of a whipping. As 
it was, pop and mom wouldn’t give me any break- 
fast because I was so late getting back. I didn’t 
tell them I had lost tlie pennies or they’d ’a licked 
me anyhow.” 

Do you mean to say that you have had no 
breakfast?” inquired Ben. 

Not a scrap. But that don’t matter ; I’m used 
to that. I’ll make up for it at dinner, if I get a 


126 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


chance ; sometimes I don’t have any dinner either, 
if pop or mom’s drunk/’ said the boy laughing. 

The sight of his thin, pale face, as he stood there 
smiling because he had escaped a whipping, and not 
caring for the loss of so trifling a thing as a break- 
fast, moved Ben deeply. 

Well, I am glad I was able to help yon,” said 
Ben cheerfully. 

So am I, you bet ! Say,” resumed the boy, I 
thought you fellows were going to have a picnic to- 
day. Jack Hanson crowed over me yesterday 
’cause I was a beggar and couldn’t go. Weren’t 
you going?” 

Ben’s heart failed him for a moment, but he re- 
plied, Yes, I did think of going, but — as you see, 
I haven’t gone. Good-bye.” 

There was no bitterness now in Ben’s heart. 

Poor fellow,” thought he, every day of his life 
is a thousand times worse than mine is to-day. I’ll 
think no more of my disappointment. I am mean 
to have thought so much* about it. I’d give him a 
lift again if I lost as much by it,” said he with 
noble resolution. 

So this little incident grew into Ben’s life, and 
taught him a lesson. 

^^Oh, I declare that story makes me feel sad,” 
said Alice. 


THE PENNY AND THE PICNIC 


127 ' 


Well, I’m sorry poor Ben lost the picnic, any- 
how,” said Lambert. 

I’m not,’’ said Phil sharply. ^^He got more 
real good than the picnic would have given him. 
He got far more than he gave. But, as Alice says, 
there is something of sadness in it after all. It has 
half a dozen or more morals in it. Go to bed and 
see whether yon can think them out, for there is 
your mother calling.” 




HIL began his next story without 
much ceremony or preface. 
Here/^ said he, is a 
story I heard when I was 
in Philadelphia, and it has 
a touch of Christmas in it 
too, which won’t be bad, see- 
ing that Christmas is only three 
weeks off. You may call it, ‘How Bert Won a 
Friend.’ ” 


In the dispcnsarj^ department of a big medical 
college, — a dispensary is a place where doctors give 
128 



HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


129 


free advice to poor people, — a mother and two chil- 
dren were sitting. The foot of one of the children 
was turned inward as a result of some accident, and 
in consequence he was unable to walk properly. 

Your child can be cured,^^ said the doctor, after 
a short examination. He will not be lame, but he 
must have a brace. Here,^^ said he, writing a few 
words on a slip of paper, is a prescription for the 
kind he needs. 

The mother took the little boy tenderly in her 
arms and, taking the hand of fhe other boy, went 
out of the dispensary and over the Schuylkill River 
to the great city of Philadelphia. Did they ride ? 
Oh, no ! They were too poor for that ; but the 
journey would have seemed short and the burden 
light if at the end of it they could only have gotten 
the brace. 

The poor woman went along very happy at tlie 
doctor’s word that her boy would not be lame. 
That had been her great fear, and since it was 
removed, she had reason for joy. 

But on going to the store where the braces were 
sold, she was all taken aback when she heard the 
price, eight dollars ! That was so much to her. 
Eight dollars ! Why, she never had that much 
together at one time, never. 

^^Ah, my little boy,” she sighed, as she left the 
store, I wish I could get it for you.” 


130 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Perhaps she looked with envy upon some of the 
richly dressed ladies who were passing along, talk- 
ing and chatting as gayly as if there were no such 
things as braces and lame boys in existence. 

After their return, little Bert lay on the settee 
for some time, very thoughtful. At last he got up 
suddenly and exclaimed : 

Mother, it’s near Christmas and I’m going to 
get into a store and earn enough to buy Eddy a 
brace. I’m going to start to-morrow.” 

His mother was not one to be slow in praising 
him for a good resolution, so she said : 

That is a fine boy and a fine idea too.” 

With a bright Good-night,” Bert was off to bed 
in the shake of a ram’s tail, or, what was a better 
test of his earnestness, he was up the next morning 
in the shake of a ram’s tail. 

It was dark and cold, but he was in earnest. No 
lying abed for him when there was such important 
business on hand. 

It was, as Bert had said, nearing Christmas, and 
the stores were bright with greens and busy with 
buyers. 

I’ll get a place to run errands, that’s what I’ll 
do,” thought Bert to himself, as he rammed his fist 
into his pantaloons pocket and trudged manfully 
on. So in he went to a store quite confident of 
success. He inquired whether they wanted a boy. 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


131 


No ; get out of here, you young vagabond/^ was 
the reply. 

What a horrid man ! thought Bert. I won- 
der what he meant by calling me a ^ vagabone ^ ! 
What is a ^ vagabone/ I wonder ? 

This mail had gotten out of the wrong side of the 
bed that morning and was in a bad humor, as I have 
known boys and girls to be — not you, of course, but 
other boys and girls. 

The next time Bert thought he had it sure. He 
saw a sign in a window : 

^^Boy Wanted.’’ 

“ That’s me,” said Bert, so in he went with his 
face bright with hojie. 

I’m a boy,” said Bert to a big salesman who 
came toward him. 

AVell, you are not much to brag about, anyhow; 
but what of it, little boy ? ” said the man smiling. 

Why, I thought you wanted a boy.” 

Well, we do,” said the man kindly ; but I’m 
afraid you are too small. We want one that can 
carry big bundles and baskets.” 

That was failure number two. 

^^Well, he was kind, anyhow,” thought Bert to 
himself. 

So he continued to go from one store to another, 
never losing faith or courage, although he met fail- 
ure after failure. Noon came ; the little face was 


132 EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 

pinched and blue with cold, but he was as deter- 
mined as ever to get that brace, and as he was by 
this time in the neighborhood of the store where the 
braces were sold, he went over there and looked in 
at the window. There was no Christmas green or 
Christmas display in that store ; but there was the 
very brace they wanted, all nicely nickel-])lated, 
with soft pads and fine patent-leather straps. 

It may, perhaps, be a trial to have to wear a 
brace, but it would be a good bit worse not to be 
able to buy a brace if yon needed it. 

To Bert, the brace was the most beautiful thing 
his eyes had ever fallen upon. He stood for a long 
time, gazing and wishing. Soitiething in his wist- 
ful eye must have attracted the attention of a lady 
who Avas passing, for she stopped a moment and 
looked at him, wondering Avhy the child could be so 
interested in looking in at this window where there 
was nothing but crutches and bandages and splints, 
artificial legs and arms, etc. 

If she gave it a further thought, she no doubt 
said to herself, That is just like a boy.’’ She 
never dreamed of the interest he had in that window. 
She hurried on and was soon lost in the crowds that 
were passing up Ninth Street. We shall hear of 
that lady again, so keep her in mind. 

The keen December Avind brought Bert to his 
senses after a Avhile, so stamping his feet and AA^aving 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


133 


his arms to keep them warm, he continued on his 
search. Though the little feet were tired and the 
stomach empty, yet like a hero he went into store 
after store. Many men were too busy to speak to 
iiim ; others laughed in his face at the idea of his 
doing work, he was such a small specimen ! 

Suddenly he came upon a store that has been 
the delight of hundreds of boys and girls. It was 
on the same street with the surgical store, but 
farther up. It was a store in which there was, as 
he thought, every conceivable shape of bird that 
ever lived. Here was a Christmas, if there was 
anywhere in town — rabbits, white and gray, par- 
rots, chickadees, monkeys, dogs, manx-cats with no 
tail, and one stuffed cat with two tails, cockatoos, 
canaries by the dozen, or by the hundred for that 
matter, mocking-birds, bluebirds, blackbirds, pig- 
eons, doves, white mice, squirrels whirling around 
in their flying-cages, macaws, parakeets, lorikeets — 
my, my, I’m out of breath simply naming them. 
What a clatter and din they did make ! 

Bert fairly trembled with delight. rabbit,” 

he whispered, as if afraid of scaring it. I saw 
the picture of one the other day, and I read a story 
about it in an ^ Uncle Remus’ I borrowed. Oh, 
how I wish I had one ! ” 

But a deep sigh came up from the bottom of his 
chest as he thought of the brace, and how little sue- 


134 


EVENINGS AT SHAEYCROFT 


cess lie had had in getting that. No, if he hadn’t 
gotten the brace he eoiildn’t think of the rabbit. 

He tore himself away after a while and began 
slowly to return when, as he looked ahead of him, he 
saw lying on the pavement a poeketbook. Making 
a dash after it he jiieked it up, and with a quick, 
stealthy movement, hid it in the breast of his jacket. 

He had seen no one drop it and no one had seen 
him pick it up. True, a lady was ahead of him, 
just in line with the poeketbook, and although the 
(piiek thought came to him to ask her whether it 
Avas hers, he hesitated. 

I don’t knoAV that it’s hers, and she’s rich, any- 
way,” said he, as he looked at her thick, rich dress 
and sealskin coat. ^^Now Eddie shall have his 
brace.” He opened his jacket and took a stealthy 
look at the poeketbook. It was made of beautiful 
black leather, the corners and edges being tipped 
Avith silver. ^MVhy, the poeketbook itself must 
be Avorth five dollars, and it is so fat and heavy that 
I know it must liaA^e fifty dollars in it at least.” 
But his heart Avas throbbing all this Avhile Avith ex- 
citement and his conscience began to Avork. 

Bert ! Bert ! ” it seemed to say, and then again, 
Bert ! Bert ! ” 

It seemed to be calling him from afar off, and so 
loud it came to be after a Avhile that he turned 
around as if some one back of him had called. All 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


135 


this time he had been walking down behind the lady 
whom he half suspected of dropping it. 

Bert ! Bert ! the voice within him seemed to 
say. That was all. Bert ! Bert ! ” 

Oh, well,” said Bert impatiently, as if speaking 
to his conscience, I don’t believe it’s hers ; but I 
suppose I ought to ask her whether it is or not.” 
But he kept on hesitating. 

Bert ! Bert ! ” came the voice as the lady 
turned the corner. It seemed to speak louder and 
faster, and Bert’s heart began to beat louder and 
faster too. 

But, then,” whimpered the little fellow to him- 
self, I don’t want the money for myself. I want 
to buy a brace for Eddie, and I’ve tried all day and 
I can’t get anything to do.” 

Bert ! Bert ! ” the voice said. 

Now don’t imagine that he was a dishonest boy ; 
oh, no, don’t think that. He was simply weighing 
tlie matter for his brother Eddie’s sake. 

Bah ! ” said he with a sudden resolution. How 
mother would go for me if she knew that I would 
keep it for a minute ! I’ll not be a thief, even for 
the brace.” 

So he bounded quickly after the lady, the very 
one who had stopped for a moment to look at Bert 
as he was gazing in at the surgical store. By this 
time she had gotten some distance ahead and it 


13G EVENINGS AT SHADYCKOFT 

took considerable time to catch up to her; tlien 
after walking for a moment to get his breath, Bert 
went up to her and said : 

Lady, did you drop this pocketbook ? 

Why, thank you, my little boy, thank you. 
Yes, 1 did. How did you know it belonged to 
me?’' 

I didn’t know. I didn’t see you drop it.” 

And so you were just trying to find the owner, 
were you ? ” 

‘‘ Y es,” said Bert. 

Well, I’m very glad to get it back, for it was 
a present from my husband, although there was 
nothing of any consequence in it,” and as she 
opened it, Bert saw that its bulk was due to a little 
bundle of samples of silk and of dress goods. 

Well you can imagine how Bert felt when he saw 
this. Su})pose he had kept the pocketbook and be- 
come a thief. He shivered at the thought. 

But,” resumed the lady, ‘‘ I was just on my 
way to get something in the pocketbook and now 
you shall go with me.” 

With that she walked briskly on till she came to 
a big bank, where as Bert watched her with won- 
dering eyes, she wrote out a little scrap of paper 
and handed it to a clerk, who in turn handed over 
to her a bigger pile of notes than Bert had ever 
seen in his life before. 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


137 


Now/^ said the lady, leading him to a quiet 
corner of the bank and counting out her money, 
suppose I were a fairy and could give you what- 
ever you wish, what would you wish for ? ’’ 

But Bert did not quite understand this way of 
speaking, so he stammered, I don’t believe in 
fairies.” 

^^Not believe in fairies, you foolisli boy !” As 
he looked timidly at her with her elegant dress and 
beautiful face so kind, her eyes so sweet and spar- 
kling and so full of fun, he felt that maybe she was 
a fairy herself, but he let his eyes drop and began 
to finger his buttonhole. 

So you don’t believe in fairies ? ” she repeated, 
seeing that he did not speak. 

^^Not unless you are one,” returned Bert timidly. 
^^Why, you are a perfect little Chesterfield,” 
laughingly said the lady. 

Bert did not know what a Chesterfield was, but 
since she laughed so pleasantly he thought it must 
be something very nice. 

Well now, I haye a mind to be a fairy for once. 
You know the fairies have the power of giving a 
person whatever he wants. You must obey the 
fairies, or they get offended. Now supposing I am 
a fairy, what do you want most?” 

Do you suppose he said a rabbit? Not much — 
although that flashed into his mind. 


138 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


A brace for Eddie/^ he blurted out ; for he be- 
gan to see his opportunity. 

The lady, or the fairy, whichever you choose to 
call her, looked puzzled. A brace for Eddie,’’ she 
repeated. What is a brace and who is Eddie ? ” 

^^A brace is an iron thing for lame people and 
Eddie is my brother,” said Bert hastily. But it 
will cost too much, I know. Anyhow, you asked 
me and I just told you. I was looking at the very 
one we wanted on Ninth Street.” 

Oh, I remember now ; you are the little boy 1 
saw looking in at the window of the surgical store, 
aren’t you? And how much will it cost, my little 
man ? ” 

Eight dollars,” faltered Bert. 

^^Oh, is that all? Well, it’s worth eight dollars 
to have a chat with a little gentleman such as you 
are. Come along,” said she briskly. Let us have 
the brace by all means.” 

Along they went till they got to the store on 
Ninth Street. The purchase of a brace to a lady 
who could handle money as she did, was a matter 
of little consequence. It was bought in less time 
than it takes you to buy a stick of candy. 

Now are you sure this is the one ? ” said the 
lady. 

^^Yes^ I’m sure myself,” said the dealer, ^Hie- 
cause the boy’s mother was here with the child the 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


139 


other day and this is the very brace the doctor or- 
dered. But you would better leave the brace here 
and bring your mother up with the child so that I 
can fit it on.’’ 

Oh, uo/^ said Bert, looking anxious, Idl bring 
mother up to-morrow, but I must take the brace 
home to-day. I must indeed,’’ said he, reaching 
toward it eagerly, as if he thought he was to be 
cheated out of his prize. 

Let him have it,” said the fairy — the lady, I 
mean. It will do him good. Come on now,” she 
eoiitiuued gayly ; you see I am a fairy after all.” 

Bert, as he went out with his brace all nicely 
done up in a box, decided that she must surely be a 
fairy. 

^^N^ow,” said she, ^^what do you want for your- 
self? ” 

Oh, I don’t want anything ; I am so happy. I 
must go home. Oh, thank you, thank you ! I do 
not want anything ; truly I do not.” 

‘‘ But I insist ; you must have something. Now 
what do you want for yourself? ” 

Oh, you don’t mean it,” gasped Bert. 

Didn’t I mean it when I said I would buy you 
a brace ? ” 

Do you really mean to buy me something be- 
sides the brace ? 

Yes.” 


140 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Well, I’d like a rabbit.’’ 

A rabbit? You shall have a pair of them,” 
said the fairy. 

You can easily guess that if she could buy a brace 
at eight dollars it was easy enough to buy a i)air of 
rabbits. So they had a pair of rabbits put in a box 
in a hurry. 

Now, sonny, where do you live ? ” asked the 
lady. He told her, and as she finished writing it 
in her memorandum book she looked down at him 
and said laughingly : Now you believe in fairies, 
don’t you? ” 

believe in you, anyhow,” said he, smiling 
through the tears of joy. 

There you are again, you little flatterer. Well, 
good-bye.” 

AVith overloaded arms, the brace in its box in 
one hand and the rabbits in the other, though with 
a heart as light as a feather and heels that barely 
touched the ground, Bert hurried home, and burst in 
on liis mother. ‘ Oh mother, mother, look here ! 
Look ! Here’s a _brace for Eddie and here’s a pair 
of rabbits for me. Try the brace on — oh no, the 
man said to bring Eddie up so that he might fit 
it on.” 

Matters were explained soon enough and his 
mother took Eddie that afternoon, not waiting for 
to-morrow, you may be sure. 


HOW BERT WON A FRIEND 


141 


Certainly no fairy ever did kinder things than 
Bert’s fairy did for liim and his family. The day 
before Christmas she sent a pile of good things, 
among which was a big turkey, a whopper I tell 
you — and for fear that they might not have a stove 
big enough to roast it, the lady had it cooked in her 
own kitchen, with nice dressing and all — together 
with two big fat mince pies. Oh, I tell you, they 
set up for kings next day. But even that was not 
all. After Christmas, when the fairy had time, she 
gave Bert’s mother so much work to do that she 
was able to buy a sewing machine, and that just put 
her on her feet ; that is, I mean to say that the 
sewing machine helped Bert’s mother provide for all 
their wants. 

Now what was it that brought all this happi- 
ness ? What was it that induced the fairy — well, I 
won’t correct myself again — the fairy to do all these 
kind things? Why, simply Bert’s manly honesty. 

Well, that’s a pretty good story,” said Lambert. 

But you don’t take us for thieves who would 
steal a pocketbook, do you ? ” said Teddy. 

Well, you needn’t think of that side of the 
story,” said Phil. Just think of the lady’s lovely 
sympathy for the poor child. That will be pleasant 
enough.” 

But Phil’s uncle, who had been listening to a 


• 142 


EVENINGS AT SIIADYCROFT 


gO(xl part of the story, said : Ihn not so certain 
that the matter of honesty doesn’t need to be thought 
of too. I was riding in town to-day with a man 
who escaped the eye of the conductor and he didn’t 
pay his fare ; he then boasted of his act, as if he liad 
done a smart thing. The fact is, he was a thief, 
a five-cent thief. Boys too, sometimes think it is 
good sport to go into a strawberry patch and take 
the berries, or it may be a chestnut tree, and then 
joke each other about ^ stripping the patch,’ or 
^ making a clean sweep ’ of the nuts, but the fact 
remains that such boys are thieves. Oli, yes, give 
the matter of honesty thought by all means.” 





NOTHER wet, gloomy day 

made the prospect of the evening 
story a pleasant one. 

I think the fi r s t 

"< 

story I told you/’ | 
said Phil, was about 
a boy on board ship in the 
midst of ice and snow ; to-niglit’s story shall be 
about a boy on board a Mississippi steamer in the 
midst of a roaring fire. Both boys were faithful — 
and if there was any idea that my father liked to 
impress it was the idea of being faithful to what- 
ever I had to do. Call the story ^Fred’s Faithful- 
ness.’ Here it goes.” 



143 


144 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


You could always depend upon Fred. When he 
was sent on an errand he went and returned 
promptly. He never had a headache or a stomach- 
ache at quarter of nine, not he ! When school kept 
he was there. In fact he was simply faithful to 
everything he agreed to do. It was the same way 
in his sports ; if you wanted him to bat, he would 
l)at and bat well ; if you wanted him to pitch, heM 
pitch ; if you wanted him to play center field, lie 
would go there, and while there might be only a 
few balls that came his way, whenever they did 
come he was ready for them, and the fellow wlio 
sent them that way was cauglit out, sure as shooting. 

That was Fred. Now you will see how this 
habit served him in after times, as it will serve each 
of you if you will do as he did. 

When Fred was about fourteen he had to go to 
work, and as he was a poor boy and lived at New 
Orleans — you know where that is, don’t you? — 
nothing was more natural .than that he should find 
work on a steamboat. 

At his first application he was engaged and put 
to work. After being alioard for a few days coil- 
ing ropes here and there, cleaning decks, polishing 
metal work, sweej^ing out the cabin, he began to 
think himself every inch a sailor, although as a 
matter of fact he had never seen the boat’s wheels 
turn, and had never been away from the wharf. 


Fred’s faithfulness 


145 


Never mind. We shall see whether this was all 
conceit. We shall see what stuif he was made of, 
after a while. 

The cargo of great bales of cotton was in at last ; 
everything was ready ; ropes were cast olf ; the big 
whistle gave a big hoarse roar ; the wheels began 
to turn ; and the boat was off for the trip up the 
Mississippi. How Fred’s heart did beat ! 

The first mate, Mr. Horton, had taken to Fred 
from the very beginning, and when they got well 
under way he took F red up into the pilot house and, 
relieving the man on duty for a while, showed F red 
how to starboard and how to port, and how to keep 
her steady to her course ; then still standing near, 
he gave the wheel into Fred’s hands. True, Mr. 
Horton did not leave him, he stood by ready to cor- 
rect any error that F red might make, Init still F red 
could actually, truthfully say that he was steering 
the boat. He was as proud as a pumpkin. 

Won’t I write a lot to mother ! ” thought he. 

That was what he thought ; but he did not write 
that letter. But I am getting ahead of my story. 

He wasn’t puffed up, however, with empty conceit. 
He was happy to be able to steer, it is true ; and 
what boy would not be ? Don’t you all want to steer 
when you go out in a sailboat? Oh no, Fred had 
too much good sense to be conceited about that ; he 
was made of better stuff. 

K 


14G 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


On Saturday afternoon, when the work was about 
cleared up, and when one watch was beloAV eating 
supper, Fred came to the mate rather anxiously. 

Mr. Horton, I Avas below a few minutes ago 
and I think I smelled smoke.^^ 

^^Oh, I guess not,’^ said the mate. ^^HoAvever, 
I’ll go below myself. Where were you?^’ 

^^Near the after hatch, sir.” -The Avord after” 
means in the stern. 

^^Fred,” said the mate, ^Hhn going to leaA^e you 
here for a couple of minutes. We are in a safe 
part of the channel just noAV, and you can take the 
Avheel for a while until I go beloAA\ Keep her in 
the course she is in noAV.’^ 

Jim,” said he to the man at the AAdieel, ^^come 
Avith me.” 

Fred felt anxious about taking hold of the AAheel 
alone, but he called up his resolution in a moment, 
and did as directed. He^ had business on hand noAV 
if he ever had. He Avas in real charge of the boat 
AAuth all its treasure and Ha^cs in his keeping. Oh, 
yes, his hands Avere full now. He felt excited by 
the fear of the fire, but said to himself, I must 
keep my head uoav. I must not think of the fire ; 
my business is to steer.’’ A fcAA^ moments later he 
heard the mate shouting excitedly. 

All hands on deck ! Fire ! fire ! ” 

It AA^as an exciting moment. Nothing is so 


FREDAS FAITHFULNESS 


147 


dreaded aboard ship as A spark had probably 

gotten into one of the cotton bales, and there lain 
smoldering ready to burst into flames the moment 
air should be admitted. 

Mr. Horton gave a few quick commands, and 
then dashing up to the pilot house he said : 

^^Now, Fred, you have a chance to prove what 
yon are made of. The whole afterhold is smoldering 
and ready to burst into flames. Every able-bodied 
man will be needed to put out the fire, so here is 
the place where you will be most useful. You can 
steer, I know. Now don’t flinch but be a man. 
You see that cotton- wood tree beyond the bend in 
the river on the right? ’’ 

^^Yes,” said Fred. 

^AYell I wish you to keep the boat’s head pointed 
that way in the middle of the channel until you 
reach the bend, and then steer straight for the base 
of the tree.” 

Seeing that it would probably be impossible to 
save the boat, the captain had .decided to run her 
ashore. It was impossible to do so where they were, 
because the banks were low and marshy for half a 
mile back from the water’s edge. 

Without a word Fred grasped the wheel with a 
firm grip. The responsibility was on him now, sure 
enough. He must be faithful. 

The mate leaped down the ladder to the deck 


148 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


and ran to the stern of the boat, where the rest of 
the men were engaged in fighting the fire. Streams 
of water and jets of steam were poured into the 
hold. The effort was made to lift some of the bales 
of blazing cotton to the deck, but the heat drove 
the men away, and the air having been admitted by 
opening the hatches, fed the flames till they roared 
like demons ; they broke through the cabin floor, 
and shortly after a creeping wreath of smoke and a 
slight, quivering tongue of flame from the middle 
hatch showed that the fire had reached amidship. 

The men were exhausted and baffled ; the fire 
was beyond their control. They could only do 
what they could to prevent its breaking out and so 
enveloping the whole boat before they reached the 
shore, but even this was enough to occupy them. 

* I tell you it was an awful time. Just try and 
imagine it, : the hold one big blaze of fire ; the smoke 
rolling out of the hatches ; the hot, blistering decks 
turning the water into hissing steam ; the crew worn 
out with heat and labor and anxiety ; the group of 
frightened passengers up in the bow, kneeling and 
praying in terror ; while above them, alone in the 
pilot house, unmindful of all the terror about him, 
his eyes fixed on the goal, his hands grasping the 
wheel with grim determination, stood the silent 
figure of Fred, fiiithful Fred, just as faithful here 
as he would be on a ball field. 


Fred’s faithfulness 


149 


It would luivo })leascd him more to be in the 
midst of the excitement below. It was hard to stay 
up there not knowing what was going on. But 
his business was to steer ; he must be faithful to 
that. 

The only man who gave him a thought was the 
mate. He is a noble little fellow and he’s doing 
his work faithfully/’ was his only comment as he 
looked at the boat’s head and observed the steady 
course she was keeping. 

Soon the heat became almost unbearable ; the fire 
had crept along to the forward hold, and was twist- 
ing its way through the hatch just below Fred’s 
perch in the pilot house. He could hardly breathe ; 
the air was stifling ; the flames began to lick and 
blister the sides of the pilot house in which he was 
standing. 

Not one word of complaint had Fred uttered 
before, but now the smoke and flames were terrify- 
ing. The heat was cracking the glass in the win- 
dows and almost blistering his hands and cheeks. 

Oh, how long must I stay here ? ” groaned 
Fred. Will Mr. Horton never come ? ” 

Mr. Horton did not come. He must not be 
blamed ; his hands were full caring for the valu- 
ables aboard the vessel, getting books and papers 
ready for their hurried leaving. No, he could not 
be blamed ; every man was in equal danger and 


150 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


must bear his equal })art. Fred, however, was not 
a man. He was only a boy, but he was doing a 
man’s part now. No man eould do it better. 

I must go ; I eannot stand it. I must go ! ” 
said Fred as, nearly stifled, he shrank from a tongue 
of Are that shot in the little window in front of 
him. Then the thought of Mr. Horton’s word and 
parting command, Do not fliiieh,” kept him to his 
post. 

The boat was nearing the point where the mate 
had told him to run her aground. Could he en- 
dure the agony for a few moments longer? Could 
he endure it? That was the question ; not, was he 
he willing, but, would his strength hold out? 

I’ll stick to it if I die,” said he, as he stamped 
his foot and ground his teeth in determination. 

A few moments and the boat would strike ; only 
a few, but they were moments of agony to the young 
pilot. He stood to his post, however, Avhen all who 
were below on the deck, driven almost frantic by 
the wild rush of the flames, officers and crew and 
passengers, huddled to the bow of the boat to avoid 
the roasting flames as they came rolling in great 
waves. 

What they were escaping Fred was getting the 
full force of against the side of the frail pilot house. 
Oh that some power might come to strengthen him 
a moment longer ! He ground his teeth together 


FREDAS FAITHFULNESS 


151 


iind in spite of everything he steered the boat right 
on until, with a tremendous shook, she striiek. 

The little hero of the pilot house, the hero of 
their safety, the saviour of their lives, had done his 
duty, and having finished it, he made a feeble move- 
ment toward the door, but his legs tottered and he 
fell to the floor of the blazing pilot house. 

All on board jumped over and waded through 
the shallow water to dry land. Their first agony 
over, the passengers erowded around the mate and 
eaptain to thank them for their deliverance. 

Thank me ! ” exclaimed the mate almost an- 
grily. ^^Oh, no, thank Fred. He^s the hero of the 
day. Fred he called, turning around. 

No answer. 

F red ! shouted the mate, louder, with a sudden 
fear darting to his eyes. Fred ! Can it be possi- 
ble that the boy has not come ashore ? ” With a 
bound he went through the water and reached the 
deck ; he mounted the steps to the door of the pilot 
house ; he saw Fred lying on his face with the 
flames just beginning to singe his hair and lick his 
fingers. 

God forgive me,^^ moaned the mate, not to 
think of the boy.^^ 

But he lifted him up bodily and, amid the smoke 
and flames of the deck, with the assistance of others 
who, understanding that some one had been left 


152 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


aboard, had dashed after him, earried him safely to 
shore. 

Fred was a pitiful sight. He had been discov- 
ered not a moment too soon. Oh, how narrow had 
been his escape ! His face was reddened almost to 
a blister and his hands were scorched. He soon 
revived, however, and the mate, overjoyed, shouted 
out : 

Now here is the hero. Here is the one to 
thank. It was he who steered the boat to this 
point, and to him you owe your lives.^^ 

I shall leave you to imagine the praise, the thanks, 
the congratulations, for he had all. For a while, 
although suffering great pain from his burns, he was 
as happy as any boy could be. 

Fred’s return home was made sooner than he 
expected, but in the mind of everybody he returned 
a hero. He returned too, with a bright hundred- 
dollar bill in his pocket. He had been faithful, as 
1 said in the beginning of the story. He was always 
faithful. 

Was he happy? Yes, very. If he was happy, 
what about his mother ? We don’t often stop to 
think of that. Fred’s was nothing to hers when 
she heard the story of how her boy had done his 
duty. 

There’s an easy moral in that. » I suppose it is 


FREirS FAITHFULNESS 


153 


easy to be faithful if you cau only stick to it pa- 
tiently/’ said Teddy. 

Why that is faithfulness — sticking to it. What 
are you thinking about ? ” said Lambert. 

Well, I find it hard to stick to anything for a 
long time/’ said Teddy, as if he had been roused 
by the story of Fred to a real desire to be faithful 
to something or other. 

^^But, old man,” said Phil, looking at him, maybe 
you think that the only things in which you are to 
be faithful are the great things — something like 
Fred’s steering the boat in the midst of great danger 
— but that is not the way to learn. F red was faith- 
ful in his big things because he had learned to be 
faithful in things about him every day. 

To-morrow night I’ll tell you a story of a boy 
who was patient and faithful in a way entirely differ- 
ent from Fred’s, where there was no danger and no 
great and terrible excitement, but where day by day 
for four years the boy was faithful and patient and 
finally got his reward.” 

Oh, don’t wait until to-morrow night. Let’s 
have it to-night,” said Teddy. 

No, to-morrow night,” said Phil. His word 
was law ; the Shadycrofters went to sleep. 



■5^\i HE next night 

I Pliil had 

nothing 
to do but to 
tell them the name 
My story to-night 


Bill was heartily tired of play. It was a hot 
day, and an hour or two of cricket on this bright 
sunny afternoon had wearied him. He came home 
feeling as if he wanted something good to eat — not a 
Christmas dinner ; that Avoidd have been too heavy, 
because it was the middle of July. No ; he wanted 
something very dainty. However, he was ready for 
154 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


155 


anything else. The best thing that turned up was 
a peach ; not a common, hard, fuzzy, hairy, wormy 
specimen, but such a large, soft, ruddy-cheeked 
fellow as made his mouth water. 

Peach in one hand and with a book in the other, 
he walked off smiling to a seat in the shade of an 
old maple. The book was interesting, but it could 
wait, so he began on the peach. That soon com- 
pletely absorbed him — or rather, to be more exact, 
he soon completely absorbed the peach ; he delayed 
the process as long as he could, but all things come 
to an end some time, and the peach was no excep- 
tion. Oh, but it was good ! So sweet, so soft, the 
ripeness that comes just before spoiling time, that is 
so hard to hit. He rolled the stone in his mouth 
until every scrap of the delicious fruit was gone ; 
then he reluctantly tossed it away. 

The most natural thing for him to think of, hav- 
ing finished the one peach, was to think of another. 
The book was neglected for the time being, and off 
he went to his mother, not doubting that he would 
get another. The fact is, he did get another, but 
not right away. 

No ; there was no other peach to be had. It was 
one of two that his mother had received of a friend. 
One of them Bill had already eaten, and the other 
had been appropriated, with a mother’s unselfish- 
ness, to papa, although papa would have something 


156 


EVENINGS AT SIIADYCROFT 


to say about the dividing of the second peach when 
he came home in the evening. You may be sure 
that mother would get her share of that one. 

No ; there was no help for it. He had eaten his 
peach and that was the end of it. He couldn’t eat 
his peach and have it too. The recollection of his 
peach and his book was all that was left to him. 

He was just going away, when his mother re- 
marked : You may have another if you wish it 
very much.” 

Bill stopped in surprise. His mother had just 
said that she hadn’t another to give, and now she 
was saying that he could have another. 

How ? ” asked Bill. I don’t understand. 
How can I have another?” 

^^Oh, that you must find out,” said his mother. 

There is some riddle in that. I can have 
another if I wish it very much,” said he, repeating 
his mother’s words. Well, I suppose I may, but 
I might hunt the country round for miles and not 
put my hand on such a beauty as that was. 
must find out too,’ she said. Well, I don’t know 
what she means.” 

It bothered him for a while, but the book took 
his eye, and so, thinking that it was too hot to 
bother about the peach any longer, he settled him- 
self to read ; but it was no use. His mother’s riddle 
kept popping up all the time, and in spite of his 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


157 


best eiforts to read, he kept repeating, ^ You may 
have another if you wish it very much.’ ” 

Now,” said Phil, looking straight at his cous- 
ins, what do you yourselves suppose she meant ? ” 

I’m sure I don’t know,” said one and another. 

AVell, listen then and maybe you will see.”] 

The book had lost its interest, so he slammed its 
covers together in a rather impatient way and tossed 
it from him. 

^ You must find out,’ ” he said, repeating the 
remark of his mother. 

Now Bill rather prided himself on finding things 
out. There were several things that he had found 
out that were of great interest to him. For instance, 
he had found out by the aid of a microscope belong- 
ing to his fiither why it is that a flea can jump so 
far. He found out that in proportion to its size 
and weight the flea’s legs are enormous, that he is 
hardly anything — that is, the flea, of course — but 
two enormous legs ; it was something like putting the 
hind legs of a tiger to a football. He had found out 
from examining the skeleton of a pigeon why there 
are such deep hollows each side of the breast bone ; 
he found out that these hollows were completely 
filled with the muscles that helped the pigeon to fly, 
and as he flies a great deal and walks but very little, 
the breast muscle is very large and the legs com- 
paratively small. 


158 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


He had found out also one day, on taking a strand 
of his mother^s bonnie brown hair, that on drawing 
it through his fingers one way it felt smooth, and on 
drawing it the other way it felt rough. Then he 
learned that this was because the outside surface 
of the hair is covered with very small projections, 
which, pointing one way like porcupine quills, make 
it smooth or rough according to the way in which 
you draw it. 

He was awfully puzzled over another matter one 
cold day in January. The janitor of his school had 
poured a few bucketfuls of water over the asphalt 
pavement in the yard to make the boys a slide. It 
froze as quick as a flash, and the boys had a good 
time for a while sliding in the afternoon, and they 
expected to have a good time again on coming to 
school next day. But lo, when they came there was 
no slide for them ! Nobody understood for a while 
where the slide had gone ; but after a long time Bill 
found out that the high wind of the night before had 
evaporated it — evaporate means, you know, to pass 
otf in vapor, just as boiling a kettle will make the 
water evaporate by heat. 

So finding out was rather in his line. He began 
to be interested. 

must find out, must I? Well then, I will 
find out,’^ said he to himself. 

He sat there thinking soberly. Now was it be- 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


159 


cause he was dreaming, or was it really so, that the 
branches of the big maple as they waved in the 
summer wind understood what he was trying to find 
out? Was it because he was dreaming that all the 
smaller twigs of the maple seemed to point toward 
the peach stone, which was lying not far away, just 
where he had thrown it? 

Well, if you want to know, you’ll have to ask 
Bill himself. I can’t say positively that the 
branches did do so. But there was no mistake 
about it in his opinion, for suddenly a smile, like a 
peep of sunshine, began to steal out from the cor- 
ners of his eyes until it spread over his face. 

I have it, mother, I have it,” said he, running 
to his mother ; I’ve found out what you mean.” 

Bill took up that peach stone as if it had been a - 
lump of gold, because he knew that his mother 
meant that he should plant the stone. 

Going to a bright, sunny spot in the garden, he 
digged it up for a space of about a foot ; he raked 
it and raked it, and worked it and worked it, till it 
was fine and creamy and crumbly, and looked very 
much like soft sweet chocolate ; it looked, in fact, 
good enough to eat. Never did a baby’s crib get 
more attention than did the bed in which the pre- 
cious peach stone was put to sleep. Then he planted 
it right side up with care. 

Perhaps you think now that of course it grew. 


160 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


and lie got peaches from the tree, and that is the 
end of the story. Well, perhaps that’s true enough ; 
hut let us watch it as it grows. Koine wasn’t built 
in a day, neither was this peach tree. 

As soon as the peach stone found out where it 
was, and got used to its new surroundings, it started 
to grow. But you know how hard the stone is, so 
the tender little kernel had a time of it trying to 
hurst through, and to Bill it seemed long before 
there was any sign of its growing at all. 

But without Bill’s knowing it, all the little vege- 
table forces of the earth around it were in sympathy 
with him. It began to swell after a while and the 
little spirits of the underground world, if there are 
any, did their very best to break ojien the heavy 
rough shell, so that the kernel, with its bright living 
shoot, might have some chance in the world. 

At last they succeeded ; the rough shell was 
broken and down the little germ began to shoot. I 
say down because, of course, it must have a root 
first; nothing can grow without that. Well, the 
little underground spirits took care of that tender 
shoot, keeping the soil moist so that the sun and air 
might do their part in helping the kernel start. 

Such good care, of course, must succeed. The 
tender green blade came climbing up one day, and 
Bill was a happy boy. He almost thought he had 
his peach instead of only the peach tree. 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


161 


The peach tree lie certainly had, although it was 
such a small one that he almost laughed at the 
idea of its bearing a peach. But there was great 
pleasure in tending it anyhow. Not a day passed 
but he saw it half a dozen times. He moistened and 
crumbled the soil around it again and again. He 
was rewarded too by seeing it shoot up proud and 
straight as if it had the spirit of an oak tree in it, 
and as if conscious of its importance. 

The little spirits below ground must also have 
been doing their duty by the tender white roots 
which they led here and there in search of moisture. 
Above ground the tender green leaves waving here 
and there caught all the good nourishing air and the 
soft sweetness of the sun till it came time for the 
peach tree to go to rest in the fall. 

It certainly had done its duty for the first year. 
It had grown a foot and a half ; that was a good 
bit more than you could do in a summer, and pretty 
good for a peac^li stone. 

Well, the little tree lost its leaves one by one, 
and after a while there remained nothing but the 
straight stem. To BilFs delight this did not con- 
tinue to remain soft and green so that you could 
crush it between your fingers ; it looked brown and 
hard just like a real tree and had real bark. 

He protected it for the winter with a covering of 
manure, and in the springtime when the first bud 


162 


EVENINGS AT SIIADYCUOFT 


came, indeed for days before it ever thought of wak- 
ing from its winter^s nap, Bill was there very anxious 
to know whether his tree had lived through the storms 
and cold of the winter. It had, and one by one the 
buds swelled and swelled until the tree was bright 
with pretty, pointed leaves. This year it did nobly ; 
it added three feet to its height, and it was so well 
satisfied with its height that it put forth three or 
four branches that made it look like a real tree — I 
keep forgetting all the time that it was a real tree 
from the beginning. 

Now that it was grown to a respectable size, 
didnT Bill watch it carefully to see that no bugs or 
borers or any other pest should eat its leaves or 
bark ? I tell you he did. So after the second year’s 
work of making trunk and branches it went to sleep 
again. 

All this waiting so long required patience. Bill 
had already waited through two summers and 
hadn’t got his peach yet ; there is a lesson for you 
youngsters. v 

The third year of the tree’s business life came. 
Bill was very anxious because this year he expected 
blossoms, and he was not disappointed. A half- 
dozen pink buds finally broke out into blossoms ; 
then all fell ofP to an untimely grave but one, one 
single peach, but that baby peach grew and grew. 
Nobody would think that this hard, green, fuzzy 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


163 


marble on the end of the branch would ever turn 
into the kind of peach that Billy’s mouth was water- 
ing for ; but he knew what he had planted, and 
thought he would get that kind of a peach. 

There was one thing you must not forget, and that 
is this : If the peach was growing older, so was 
Billy ; and more than that, Billy was learning the 
lesson of patient industry and labor as the only 
means of sure reward. 

But alas, for the peach ! One windy day, just 
when it had grown to the size of a walnut, and Billy 
was happy in the hope that he might really have a 
})cach, there came a heavy wind and rain storm with 
hail, and the little peach could not withstand the 
power of the wind, so that in spite of its very best 
etforts it was wrenched from its stem and fell to the 
ground. 

That was the end of the peach crop for that year ; 
the crop had failed. 

But when the peach cro}) had failed, the tree tried 
to get even by making a big growth of wood. My, 
how high it shot, and what branches it sent out ! So 
it went to sleep for the third year — after toil comes 
rest, you know. 

The next spring Billy’s hopes were aroused by 
abundant blossoms ; some came to nothing, of 
course, but others remained on the branches. 

. By this time the tree had become cpiitc dignified. 


164 


EVENINGS AT SHAPYCROFT 


It was four years old and Bill was fourteen ; it was 
tall for its age, and so was Bill ; it had good strong 
limbs, and so had Bill ; the fact is, there were sev- 
eral ways in which the tree was like Bill. See if 
you can find them out. 

Billy watched the blossoms turn to hard tiny balls 
covered with fuzz. But they grew, and they grew, 
and they grew, until they had grown to the size of 
a baseball, and then they stopped, and the whole 
force of the tree for the rest of the year seemed to 
be spent in touching up what nature had already 
done. First it showed a little mottled yellow which 
broadened and softened into a deep blushing red. 
Then as Bill felt the skin gently it seemed to yield a 
little. They were getting ripe. Bill could scarcely 
control his impatience, but he did control it and 
allowed the tree full time to do its duty. 

Finally the day for plucking could no longer be 
put off, so in high glee he went down into the gar- 
den to pluck his first peach. There they were hang- 
ing in rich, golden, blushing beauty, all blending 
with the rich glossy green leaves. 

He put up his hand and took one as tenderly as 
you would hold a canary. It yielded to the gentlest 
touch, and a drop of pure, sweet, peachy syrup fell 
on his hand. So he plucked half a dozen. He was 
reaping what he had sowed. 

Now who was to eat the first peach? Certainly 


V/HAT BILL FOUND OUT 


165 


no one but his mother. So in he ran toward her 
with his little basket of peaches, picked out the first 
and finest he had plucked and handed it to her. 

Here, mother, is the first peach I plucked.’’ 

Now you know exactly what a mother would say, 
and what she would think, and what she would feel, 
under the circumstances, and so Bill’s mother said 
and thought and felt and did as all mothers would 
say and feel and think and do. 

Bill stopped long enough to hear her praise and 
admiration, and then he darted off again to his tree. 
This time he sat down under its shade and sank his 
teeth into the soft, melting fruit, and as he lay back 
in perfect bliss at the success of his labor, his eye 
fell on the maple tree at a distance under which he 
had eaten the first peach, and he saw the figure of a 
youngster about four years younger than he, eating 
a peach, while a book lay neglected on the grass. 

Bill smiled as he recognized the boy. Who do 
you suppose it was ? It was Bill himself, as I know 
you can all guess. 

It was all imagination, of course. But haven’t 
you seen some things with your mind’s eye as plainly 
as you ever do with your real eye ? W ell, it was 
so with Bill, and what’s more — whether the peach 
tree were suddenly gifted with the power of speech 
or not I vshall not attempt to say — something seemed 
to say to Bill as plainly as words can say : 


166 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


Now, Bill, you have had hard work, you have 
shown patience and love, but you have reaped what 
you sowed. Now learn the lesson for your life.’’ 

And so, my dear cousins, I wish you to learn the 
lesson too. If you learn the lesson for the whole 
of life as well as Billy did from his peach tree, you 
will have a joy just as real and much greater. 

Now,” said Phil, in conclusion, this, I think, 
would better be the last of the stories until after the 
holidays — not that I have run out of stories, for that 
is not the case — but as Christmas is coming and we 
have so many plans and preparations to make, we 
would better be thinking of them. 

But before we give ourselves up completely to 
a merry Christmas, let’s look back at the stories we 
have had, and see what they have been about. Joe 
was brave in saving his shipmate’s life, and Dan in 
the same story sympathized with the poor gloomy 
Joe ; Ray did the manly thing in apologizing ; Dick 
gave up the sight of the waterspout to wait on his 
sick uncle ; Ali Otho persevered till he won his 
beautiful pony ; Jack worked hard and earned his 
sled in a way he didn’t expect ; Harry by means of 
a horrid dream learned to share what he had with 
others ; Ben, at the cost of the picnic, helped the 
little beggar who had injured him ; Bert’s honesty 
earned him a fairy friend ; F red stuck to his post 


WHAT BILL FOUND OUT 


167 


and saved a great many lives at the risk of his own ; 
Bill waited patiently and got his reward in the 
peach tree. 

Now I suppose/^ said Phil quietly, that if you 
could find a fellow with half these good qualities, 
you would feel like putting him in a glass case. 
But if you look a little closer you’ll see that, al- 
though I have used different words to express what 
the boys did, yet there is one idea running through 
every story, and that is this : the boys were simply 
faithful to what they knew they ought to do, faitli- 
ful to themselves and faithful to others. 

That is the idea that my father used so often to 
work out for me, the lesson of faithfulness. As a 
general thing we can find out what we ought to do, 
aud if we would only fix in our minds the determi- 
nation to be faithful to what xve ought to do, we 
should have all the good qualities I have men- 
tioned.” 

“ Thank you, Cousin Phil,” said Teddy. 

Teddy looked sober this night. It was not be- 
cause he was sleepy either, for he lay awake an 
liour or more after he went to bed. The simple 
fact is this ; he was determining within his little 
harum-scarum lieart that he was going to be faithful 
to what he ought to do. If a few months later you 
saw in the newspapers an account of the rescue of a 
little girl, at the peril of a boy’s life, from drowning 


168 


EVENINGS AT SHADYCROFT 


near Shadycroft, the boy was Teddy ; if you heard 
a teacher commend a boy for faithful, persevering 
labor, perhaps the boy was Teddy; ’if your heart 
was touched by seeing a manly little fellow leading 
an old cripple over a crowded street crossing, the 
boy was Teddy. But it was all summed up in the 
fact that Teddy had grown to be faithful. 


THE END 







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